This week of St. The Church, both in readings from the Holy Scriptures and in prayers and chants, explains to believers what true fasting and repentance consist of. She established, among other things, the custom that on Sunday of this week believers forgive each other who has offended or sinned with whom, which is why this day is called farewell. The Church established this custom in fulfillment of the commandment of Christ:
If you bring your gift to the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go, first make peace with your brother, and then come and offer your gift...
If you forgive people their sins, then your Heavenly Father will also forgive you; and if you do not forgive people their sins, then your Father will not forgive you your sins.
When you fast, do not be sad like the hypocrites; for they put on gloomy faces in order to appear to people as fasting. Truly I tell you that they are already receiving their reward. And you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to men as you fast, but to your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you openly (Matt. 5:23-24; 6:14-18).