“Forget mutual offenses, reconcile with the offender, do not respond to the evil-speaker, strengthen prayer,” this is stated in the address of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, disseminated ahead of the start of Great Lent.

In the statement, the Patriarch notes that “for whoever considers themselves Orthodox,” observing the fast is obligatory for all.

“The time has come for the beginning of Great Lent... This is the most special period of the year - a 40-day span filled with heartache, repentance, gratitude, and at the same time hope, to which the Holy Week of Passion is added. Observing this fast is necessary for everyone who considers themselves Orthodox (I do not mean those with serious health problems), so that, to the best of our ability, we may worthily meet the glorious day of the Savior’s Resurrection. Forget mutual offenses, reconcile with the offender, do not respond to the evil-speaker, strengthen prayer, constantly say the Jesus Prayer and the prayer to the Mother of God (‘Open to us the gates of mercy’), as well as Psalm 50; strengthen yourselves weekly with confession and communion, and clothe yourselves in love, peace, and goodness. May God bless each of you, forgive your sins, and grant you strength to be called faithful sons and daughters of God. My spiritual children, I also ask you to forgive my sins and weaknesses. Ever praying for you, Ilia II,” the statement disseminated by the Patriarchate reads.