Ash Wednesday – 26 February

Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, is marked by the imposition of ashes in the form of a cross on the foreheads of the faithful.

“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19).

These are the words that Christians around the world will hear on 26 February as a minister makes the sign of the cross on their foreheads.

This tradition takes place on Ash Wednesday. It marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter. The ashes are made by burning palm branches blessed in the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebration, and are meant to symbolize mourning and penance for one’s sinfulness and mortality.

A service will be held at Trinity at 7.30pm, and all will be very welcome.
This year you will also find “ashes to go,” with clergy from St Mark’s, Holy Trinity and Trinity at Wimbledon station with ashes for busy commuters.

Christians around the world observe Lent through prayer, fasting and reflection. It is a time to meditate on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus preceding the celebration of Easter.  Our Lent study resources will be available shortly.