Two Ash Wednesday Services on February 17
February 17th, is Ash Wednesday, the first of the 40 days of Lent, named for the custom of placing blessed ashes on the foreheads of worshipers at Ash Wednesday services.
This day is observed as a fast in the church year of the Episcopal Church. The Ash Wednesday service is one of the Proper Liturgies for Special Days in the BCP (p. 264). Ashes are blessed for use on Ash Wednesday as a sign of penitence and a reminder of mortality.
St. Mark’s will have two services on this day at 12:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the church.