Icon of the Publican and the Pharisee in Saint Michael's Orthodox Church in Louisville, Kentucky.
Throughout the world today Orthodox Christians mark the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, known for the Gospel account in Luke 18 read at the divine liturgy that juxtaposes the self-righteousness of the Pharisee with the deep humility and repentance of the Publican.
On this Sunday we also begin singing hymns in preparation for the Great Fast, which itself begins on Monday, February 27. These hymns are taken from the ancient book of lenten hymnography called the Triodion. One is Open to Me the Doors of Repentance, sung in English beautifully below.