On March 14, 2021, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II presided over the evening prayer at St. Georges Patriarchal Cathedral in Bab Touma – Damascus.

‏At the end of the prayer, His Holiness conducted the special service of Shubqono (Forgiveness) during which the clergy and faithful ask forgiveness from one another, on the occasion of the beginning of the Great Lent.

‏In his sermon, His Holiness spoke about the miracle of Cana where the Lord Jesus turned the water into wine. He also spoke about forgiveness as a fruit of love and resulting in peace. He emphasized the importance to start Lent with forgiveness as a sign of humility and love of God. At the end of his sermon, His Holiness exchanged peace and forgiveness with the faithful present.

‏The service was also attended by His Eminence Archbishop Mor Boutros Kassis, Patriarchal Assistant and Patriarchal Delegate in Aleppo.