On Saturday 17 February and Sunday 18 February we had services for Forgiveness Sunday, the final Sunday before the beginning of Great Lent.  Divine Liturgy was immediately followed by Vespers, during which the church vestments were changed from festive blue – for the Great Feast of the Meeting of the Lord – to black, and the ordinary melodies gave way to the solemn melodies of Great Lent.  In accordance with Orthodox practice, at the end of Vespers all present asked forgiveness of one another.  Following the service the Ladies Auxiliary served pancakes with herring, smoked salmon, and sour cream.