Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Commemorated on February 15


The Sunday after the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee is the Sunday of the Prodigal Son. This parable of God's forgiveness calls us to come to ourselves" as did the prodigal son, to see ourselves as being "in a far country" far from the Father's house, and to make the journey of return to God. We are given every assurance by the Master that our heavenly Father will receive us with joy and gladness. We must only "arise and go," confessing our self-inflicted and sinful separation from that "home" where we truly belong (Luke 15:11-24).


After the Polyeleion at Matins, we first hear the lenten hymn "By the Waters of Babylon." It will be sung for the next two Sundays before Lent begins, and it serves to reinforce the theme of exile in today's Gospel.


Kontakion - Tone 3
I have recklessly forgotten Your glory, O Father;and among sinners I have scattered the riches which You had given me.Therefore, I cry to You like the Prodigal:"I have sinned before You, O compassionate Father;receive me a penitent and make me as one of Your hired servants."

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