Forgiveness Vespers

Yesterday was forgiveness sunday in the Orthodox church. This is one
of the most unusual services in the Orthodox church. It is very
personal and touching but not for the faint of heart. At the
conclusion of the service the Priest first will ask forgiveness of the
community. Then begins the long process of the community forgiving
each other. In this tradition a line is formed and the first person
will approach the priest and make a bow(similar to asking the blessing of a priest)
and ask for forgiveness.(the phrase forgive me my brother) the
response is God forgives. After Forgiveness is given the line moves
along and soon everyone in the community has forgiven everyone else.
This is emotional, you will see people crying, looking distraught. I
find myself overwhelmed. I find myself overwhelmed and tongue-tied by
the kindness displayed by everyone and what this brings out in me.
So in the honor and spirit of this day I ask the fogiveness of anyone
who reads this. thank you in advance.