Orthodox Christians round the world have marked the start of the 40 day Lenten period with the Ash Wednesday ceremony today.

This ceremony involves placing of ash on the forehead of congregants by Priests symbolizing dust from which they were created and to which they would return. 

As the priest applies the ashes to a person's forehead, he speaks the words: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

The ashes are typically made from burning special crosses which were made from palm wood used in the Palm Sunday celeberation from the previous year.

The Lenten Period according to the Conference of Bishops is a period of “fasting, prayer, almsgiving and reflection” for christian faithful all over the world. 

During this period, Christians are encouraged to abstain from luxuries but to closely seek the will of Christ more faithfully. 

They also seek forgiveness during this time as they prepare to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus, upon whom the Christian faith has its foundations at the end of the 40-day period.

This year’s ceremony has however been overshadowed by Pope Francis’s long stay in hospital as he continues to recover from a respiratory issue.

His illness has meant that the pope has already missed a number of Church events, including a March 5 service known as Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of a 40-day period leading to Easter Sunday and which he normally presides over.

The 88 year old Pontiff has experienced several bouts of ill health over the last two years and is prone to lung infections because he had pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed.

Catholic faithful all over the world continue to pray for his recovery while eagerly awaiting updates about his health.

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