Forgiveness Sunday
Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare Sunday) — Saturday, February 21, 2026 in 2026.
The last day before Great Lent. The expulsion of Adam from Paradise is remembered, and Forgiveness Vespers is served in the evening, at which the faithful ask forgiveness of one another.
When is Forgiveness Sunday in 2026?
In 2026 the feast falls on Saturday, February 21, 2026. It is a moveable feast, counted from the date of Pascha, so it falls on a different date each year.
| Year | Date | Fasting that day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | Fast |
| 2027 | Saturday, March 13, 2027 | Fast |
| 2028 | Saturday, February 26, 2028 | Fast |
| 2029 | Saturday, February 17, 2029 | Fast |
Fasting on Forgiveness Sunday
The last day dairy and eggs are eaten before Pascha; meat has already been set aside at Meatfare.
Fasting practice varies between jurisdictions, parishes and households — see the Orthodox fasting rules for the full picture and speak with your priest about your own rule.
See this feast in the calendar
Open the day itself for the saints, feast and fasting rule in full, browse February 2026, or see the whole of 2026.