In the Christian Church, Wednesday 2nd March 2022 is the beginning of Lent, the 46-day period leading up to Easter and for some Christians this a time marked by sacrifice or fasting. In many Churches this time of year a common topic of conversation is “so what are you giving up for Lent?”
Within the Christian Church the day at the start of Lent is known as Ash Wednesday, and is marked by the tradition of the “imposition of ashes” – the marking of a cross on the forehead with ashes from the previous year’s Palm Crosses.
As the ashes are imposed the Priest will say "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." The words said to Adam and Eve at the time of their downfall.
This tradition is attributed to Pope Gregory I the Great (c. 540–604) and in the English Church it can be traced back to about the 11th Century, where evidence exists that in the year 1,000 of ashes were strewn on the heads of men, and women, who would have had their heads covered in church, had the ashes placed on their foreheads.
So, if you see people walking around this week with ash on their forehead, the chances are these are there by choice and not this is not a sign of the absence of personal hygiene. They have been “ASHED” as an outward sign of their faith and as a commitment to their Lenten journey.
For details about services, times and directions to The Church in the Park , All Saints Anglican Church Algarve, Almancil contact:
Website : www.allsaintalgarve.church
Facebook : www.facebook.com/allsaintsalgarve/
Telephone number : (+351) 932 841 943
Email : secretary@allsaintsalgarve.church
About All Saints Anglican Church Algarve
We are an Anglican Church (part of the Worldwide Anglican Communion) providing contemporary and relevant worship with strong Biblical teaching for the 21st Century.
Our doors are wide open to people from all backgrounds and nationalities who wish to join us on our faith journey of following Jesus Christ.
For more information, please contact secretary@allsaintsalgarve.church
