Forgiveness Vespers marks the beginning of Great Lent with the ceremony of mutual forgiveness, at which all present will bow down before one another and ask forgiveness.  In this way, the faithful begin Great Lent with a clean conscience, with forgiveness.

A Presanctified Liturgy was also held March 3rd - Clean Friday - at St. Tikhon Mission. The entire first week of Great Lent is often referred to as "Clean Week" for the leaving behind of sinful attitudes and non-fasting foods.