Orthodox Lent Begins

As we begin the Great Fast with the Sunday of Forgiveness, I bow down before you, brothers and sisters, and ask, of your charity: forgiveness and prayers.

O Lord and Master of my life,

Take from me the spirit of sloth, despair,

lust of power and idle talk;

But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant.

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own transgressions

and not to judge my brother,

for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages.

Amen