Spiritual Talk – Reflections on Forgiveness Sunday & Reconciliation

Presented By Rt. Rev. Archimandrite Nabil Kachab

On the evening of Tuesday the 25th of February, the St George Bible Study group was blessed to be joined by the Dean of our Cathedral, Archimandrite Nabil Kachab, for a Spiritual talk on Forgiveness Sunday and Reconciliation. This was an edifying and timely discussion, in anticipation of Forgiveness Sunday on the 2nd of March.

Fr Nabil commenced his talk explaining the process towards reconciliation and unity with God, namely repentance, confession and forgiveness. He then explored the two themes of Forgiveness Sunday: 1) the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise and 2) forgiveness, where humanity is invited back to Paradise.

The sacrament of confession results in forgiveness, it brings peace, hope and delivers the soul. Fr Nabil explained that this is the reason that the church wants us to commence the Lenten season with repentance, confession and forgiveness. In fact, as part of our Orthodox tradition we partake in the ritual of forgiveness during the vespers service on Forgiveness Sunday. This involves bowing before the other to seek and receive their forgiveness; it is through this reconciliation with others, that we reconcile with God.

It is important to remember the true meaning of Lent, it is more than just fasting and changing our diet. Rather, fasting is but a means towards a high goal – true repentance and reconciliation, leading us back to God.

Fr Nabil concluded with four practical steps towards forgiveness that we can each implement: self-examination, seek forgiveness, offer forgiveness and pray for others. Let us each strive to implement these steps as we commence the Lenten season, and endeavour to be more like Christ to achieve true peace through letting go of anger, resentment and pride.