We ask God to forgive our sins and God tells us that His forgiveness is conditional on our forgiveness of others. But what does forgiveness really mean? Does it mean forgetting the offense entirely, or is it the intention to forgive that matters? What if we forgive, but the bitterness or the memory of the sin or offense comes back - have we not truly forgiven? Are we to repent of our sin once, or is it a continual process? These and other questions are the topic of the next Illumined Heart with guest Rev. Fr Tom Soroka.

What is the difference between mercy and grace? Dn. Michael Hyatt continues going through the book How to Be a Sinner by Dr. Peter Bouteneff.

As we begin our Lenten journey, Fr. Evan Armatas shares some thoughts on Forgiveness Sunday and takes calls and questions from the audience on a variety of topics.

Fr. Nicolaie shares a short story about forgiveness.

St. Gregory Palamas believed in beholding through prayer the uncreated energies of God. A young volunteer reveals to the community that this is not one quick event that pierces the soul. It is rather an encounter for the whole day.

Fr. Apostolos Hill speaks about the Hymn of Kassiani's retelling of the sinful woman who wept her tears of repentance over the feet of Christ and of Jesus' retort to Simon, "He who is forgiven little, loves little...." He also tells about the life and love of St. Mary of Egypt.

Sermon on the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost (I Corinthians 9:2-12; Matthew 18:23-35)

Sunday before the Beginning of the Great Fast

Forgiveness is at the heart of the gospel message and Christian experience. As Christians living in the community of faith, we are called to share all things in common. Fr Tom explains that this includes sharing the mercy and compassion with one another that we first received from Christ. (Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost)

On the day before the beginning of Great Lent, the Church teaches us that our journey of repentance begins with offering forgiveness. Fr Tom reminds us that forgiveness is the essential action to grow in the likeness of God, because it is what He freely offers to us. (Forty-first Sunday after Pentecost - Forgiveness Sunday)

On the last Sunday of preparation before we begin the Great Fast, the Church calls us to offer and receive forgiveness from everyone. Fr Tom reminds us that we are commanded to forgive precisely because this action allows us to participate in and experience the Divine Life of God Himself.

When we hear the story of the Prodigal Son, our focus is often on the actions of the son in his return to the father. Fr Thomas emphasizes from the same story, that we can also learn much about the nature of God, how He is eager to forgive us with abundant mercy, and how He wants everyone in the community to share in His joy. (Luke 15:11-32)

In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, Jesus illustrates the consequences of unforgiveness. Fr Thomas teaches us that it is the God of love, mercy, and compassion who commands us to forgive and warns us of the judgment to come if we do not.

In a powerful message on the value of faith, Fr Thomas reminds us that forgiveness is the most important healing we'll ever receive.

Leading into the Great Fast, Fr. Tom urgently calls us to remember that all of the fasting in the world is useless if we neglect the weightier matters.

Forgiveness is waiting for us NOW when we turn to Christ. Use the help that is available and let us carry each other in love and prayer as we all strive to a greater perfection.

Fr. Dn. Emmanuel Kahn gives the sermon on Forgiveness.

Fr. Emmanuel Kahn and Fr. Gregory Hallam speak to both the adults and children about the importance of forgiveness.

True forgiveness comes from the heart and Dr. Rossi tells us what that looks like.

Dr. Albert Rossi follows up on his podcast, "Everyone Is Doing The Best They Can," by asking us to consider the importance of forgiveness of one's self as we engage in repentance towards joy.

Fr. Lawrence Farley reminds us that the man who trusts God and does what is pleasing to him, such as giving alms to the poor, will experience His favor when his own time of need comes.

This week, in anticipation of Forgiveness Sunday, Archimandrite Irenei explores a series of patristic texts that deal with the imperative of forgiveness, and the need to forgive as the gateway into the life offered by Christ in the Church.

We look again at the theme of forgiveness in the writings of the Fathers—with an eye particularly toward practical injunctions on forgiveness and the relationship of repentance, forgiveness, and redemption in quotations from a variety of patristic sources. Archimandrite Irenei also introduces the Patristic Quotations Topical Index.

As A Word From the Holy Fathers resumes after a summer hiatus, we look again at the theme of forgiveness in the writings of the Fathers—with an eye particularly toward practical injunctions on forgiveness and the relationship of repentance, forgiveness, and redemption in quotations from a variety of patristic sources. Fr Matthew also introduces the Patristic Quotations Topical Index.

Fr. Pat distinguishes between "official" forgiveness and "personal" forgiveness.

Fr. Pat explains that the mandate to forgive offenses is not something we're disposed to do except by grace.

Fr. Pat discusses the social structure, the moral imperatives, and the discerning moral light of discipleship.

Fr. Pat's homily from Forgiveness Vespers 2012.

Before we start fasting during Great Lent, we start forgiving. Why do we ask forgiveness from everyone, even people we may not know?

As Christians, we're called to union with each other and God. Yet we're constantly stuck in divisions, both external and internal. So how are we supposed to achieve true union? The answer is forgiveness: God's invitation to share the same space with Him.

St. Dionysios of Zakynthos is a powerful example of forgiveness. He shows us how forgiveness can free us to be who God made us to be, rather than trapping us and defining us by our sins and shortcomings.

We all know forgiveness is a holy and important thing, yet it's easier said than done. When you're having trouble, here are four things to help soften your heart and open the door to forgiveness.

“Nothing makes us so like God, as our readiness to forgive the wicked and wrongdoer.” (Saint John Chrysostom) The Greek word for forgiveness means "sharing the same space." At the doorstep to Great Lent, we're given the opportunity to both seek and offer forgiveness. Forgiveness Sunday (especially Forgiveness Vespers) is our chance to overcome resentments and share the same space with both God and neighbor. So that, together, we can journey to salvation and an experience of God's Kingdom. Because right and wrong is about more than what’s right or wrong for you. As always, we've prepared a FREE downloadable workbook to help you act on what you'll learn. https://mailchi.mp/goarch/bethebee168 .

God forgives and so must I!

So what is the Kingdom of heaven like? Do you belong to it? Well, one of the ways you can tell is this: do you forgive others? Do you give up your rights to things? Yes? Yes? Well, that is what the Kingdom of Heaven is like.

Forgiveness is not symbolic but an act of faith. How do we have a heart of forgiveness at home and in the congregation?

The temptation is great among conservatives to get back at the leftists who used government power to harass and imprison their opponents for nearly four years.