A WESTERN ORTHODOX SERVICE FOR THE IMPOSITION OF ASHES ON ASH WEDNESDAY (FEB 25TH)
Ash Wednesday Liturgy, as Approved for the Use of the Ancient Church of the West OPENING COLLECT The priest, standing before the altar, shall say: Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that, lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, we may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE LESSON – JOEL 2:12-17 A reader shall say: A Lesson from the Prophet Joel. Thus saith the Lord: Turn ye even to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth Him of the evil. Who knoweth if He will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind Him, even a meat ...
