Liturgical Texts
Here you will find the links to texts for various liturgical services.
February 22, 2026
Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheese Fare)
Uncovering of the Seven Martyrs’ relics at Gate of Eugenios in Constantinople;
Martyr Anthusa and her twelve servants
SYNAXARION
On February 22 in the Holy Orthodox Church, we commemorate the uncovering of the Seven Martyrs’ relics at Gate of Eugenios in Constantinople; and Martyr Anthusa and her twelve servants.
On this day, we make remembrance of the exile of the first-fashioned, Adam, from the Paradise of delight.
Verses
Let the world mourn bitterly along with ages past;
As, by sweet eating, it hath fallen along with those who had fallen.
It is the Sunday of Forgiveness, known also as Cheese Fare Sunday. Today’s lesson from the Holy Gospel teaches us about forgiveness and fasting, and how both are crucial to our own return to Paradise. The divine Fathers also set the anniversary of the exile of Adam from the Paradise of bliss on this day, at the entrance of Great Lent, to show us by deed as well as word21how great is the benefit that accrues to man from fasting and repenting; and, on the contrary, how great the harm that comes from destructive gluttony and from disobedience to the divine commandments. The sin of gluttony resulted in Adam and Eve’s banishment from Paradise, because they disobeyed God by eating from the tree which He had forbidden them. The Church reminds us of this event to encourage us to return to that ancient glory and primeval happiness by means of fasting and obedience to God and His commandments.
By Thine ineffable compassion, O Christ our God, make us worthy of the delight of Paradise and have mercy on us, as Thou art alone the Lover of mankind. Amen.
Please visit the Antiochian Archdiocese Website for Up-To-Date Texts of Services, and Choose the Specific Date on the Calendar.
