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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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
Each year, Italians gather in Monte di Nese to commemorate a little-known World War II tragedy—the massacre of Azerbaijani soldiers who resisted fascist forces in 1945 and paid with their lives for choosing freedom.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
A humanitarian ship carrying 20,000 tons of Ukrainian wheat docked in Samsun, Türkiye, on Thursday, marking a major World Food Program initiative to supply crisis-hit regions, including Syria.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
Each year, Italians gather in Monte di Nese to commemorate a little-known World War II tragedy—the massacre of Azerbaijani soldiers who resisted fascist forces in 1945 and paid with their lives for choosing freedom.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
A humanitarian ship carrying 20,000 tons of Ukrainian wheat docked in Samsun, Türkiye, on Thursday, marking a major World Food Program initiative to supply crisis-hit regions, including Syria.
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