Ash Wednesday ~ is the first day of Lent.
Occurs forty-six (46) days before Easter .
The day marks the start of the season of discipline and penitencethat continues through the Lenten season. The day is observed by Western Christian churches, especially Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches. In many churches, the observance of Ash Wednesday centers on ashes from burned palms used in the previous year's Palm Sunday procession. A priest or pastor blesses the ashes and uses them to mark a cross on the foreheads of worshipers. This blessingis based on the Biblical passage, "... for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." (Gen. 3:19). Ashes also serve as a symbol of purification and penitence.
Palm Sunday ~ Sunday Before Easter Sunday
Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week. It celebrates the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where people spread palm branches and clothing before Him. During Palm Sunday services, many churches distribute cut palm leaves, sometimes woven into the shape of a cross. Greek Orthodox Christians receive branches of fragrant bay leaves. The leaves are then used in cooking during the year.
The day marks the start of the season of discipline and penitencethat continues through the Lenten season. The day is observed by Western Christian churches, especially Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches. In many churches, the observance of Ash Wednesday centers on ashes from burned palms used in the previous year's Palm Sunday procession. A priest or pastor blesses the ashes and uses them to mark a cross on the foreheads of worshipers. This blessingis based on the Biblical passage, "... for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." (Gen. 3:19). Ashes also serve as a symbol of purification and penitence.
Palm Sunday ~ Sunday Before Easter Sunday
Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week. It celebrates the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where people spread palm branches and clothing before Him. During Palm Sunday services, many churches distribute cut palm leaves, sometimes woven into the shape of a cross. Greek Orthodox Christians receive branches of fragrant bay leaves. The leaves are then used in cooking during the year.
Maundy Thursday ~ the Christian feast or holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. It is the fifth day of Holy Week, and is preceded by Holy Wednesday and followed by Good Friday.
Good Friday ~ The Friday before Easter; observed in churches as the anniversary of the crucifixion of Christ.
Easter ~ Jesus was resurrected from the dead three days after his crucifixion, and Christians celebrate this resurrection on Easter Day or Easter Sunday two days after Good Friday.
Easter Sunday is the Sunday following the full moon after the Vernal Equinox
Just as a reminder, future Easter Dates (also called Orthodox Easter).
April 19, 2009
April 4, 2010
April 24, 2011
April 15, 2012
