Great Canon of Repentance in Cologne opened the first week of Lent
Prayer service invited believers to inner conversion and spiritual renewal.
On February 23, 2026, the Great Compline was celebrated in the Cologne church of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God, combined with the reading of the first section of the Great Canon of Repentance by Andrew of Crete. The celebration fell on Monday of the first week of Great Lent. This was reported by the UOC community in Cologne. The Great Canon of Repentance is among the most significant liturgical texts of the first week of Lent. It invites the faithful to repentance, inner reflection, and spiritual reorientation. With its profound prayers and numerous biblical references, it is intended to help prepare for the journey of the Lenten season.
The liturgical celebration highlights the spiritual depth of the first days of Lent, which in Orthodox tradition are regarded as a phase of intensified prayer, inner gathering, and turning toward the Easter mysteries.
Previously, UOJ reported that Metropolitan Mark celebrated a forgiveness rite at the beginning of Lent in Milan.
