On the Byzantine calendar, we started the “transition” 2 weeks ago.
Sunday of Zaccheus - Desire to see Jesus
Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee - Humility vs pride (last Sunday)
General dispensation from fast and abstinence (to avoid being like the Pharisee - c.f. Luke 18:12)
Sunday of the Prodigal Son (Septugesima on the TL calendar) - Repentance and the Mercy of God
Kontakion, Tone 3: Foolishly have I fled from Your glory, O Father,* wasting the wealth You gave me on vices.* Therefore, I offer You the words of the Prodigal:* Loving Father, I have sinned before You.* Take me, for I repent, and make me as one of Your hired hands.
Sunday of Meatfare (literally Carnival in Italian) aka Sunday of the Last Judgement - God is just as well as merciful. Avoid presumption.
Kontakion, Tone 1: When You come on earth, O God, in glory,* and the universe trembles,* while the river of fire flows before the seat of judgement,* and the books are opened and all secrets disclosed,* then deliver me from the unquenchable fire,* and count me worthy to stand at Your right hand,* O Judge who are most just.
Traditionally, this is the last day for meat products until Pascha.
Sunday of Cheesefare - Forgiveness Sunday, also the Expulsion of Adam & Eve from Paradise. The Forgiveness Service (traditionally part of Vespers on Forgiveness Sunday) is often done during or immediately after the Divine Liturgy so the faithful can participate.
Excerpt from Forgiveness Service:
Priest: Let us try to remember all of those people who have offended us, hurt us, angered us; all those people against whom, for whatever reason, we bear grudges, feel hatred, and whom we find hard to forgive.
All: From the bottom of my heart, I truly and sincerely forgive those who hate me, who have offended or hurt me, and against whom I carry a grudge or nourish ill-feelings.
Source: The Way, Feb. 23, 2014, p. 11.
(Official newspaper of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia)
Traditionally, this is the last day for dairy products until Pascha.
The Great Fast (Lent) begins at sundown on Cheesefare Sunday. Pure Monday (i.e. 2 days before Pure/Ash Wednesday) is strict fast and abstinence from meat and dairy products (and anything containing meat/dairy).
