who does ash wednesday

Ash Wednesday is mainly observed by Christians in many Western churches, especially Roman Catholics, Anglicans (Episcopalians), Lutherans, and several other Protestant traditions.

Who “does” Ash Wednesday?

• Roman Catholics : Ash Wednesday is a major day on the calendar, with Mass or services where ashes are placed on the forehead and fasting/abstinence rules are followed.

• Anglicans / Episcopalians : They hold services with the imposition of ashes and often encourage fasting and extra prayer as Lent begins.

• Lutherans : Many Lutheran churches mark the day with ashes and a penitential service to start Lent.

• Methodists, some Reformed, Baptist, and other Protestants : A growing number of these churches also hold Ash Wednesday services, though it’s not universal and can vary a lot from church to church.

• Eastern Orthodox : They do not observe Ash Wednesday; their Lent begins with “Clean Monday” instead of an ash-focused day.

In short, Ash Wednesday is “done” by many Western Christian denominations (especially Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, and some Protestants), but not by Eastern Orthodox churches or by every Protestant group.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.