~`+`~ASH WEDNESDAY ~ FIRST DAY OF LENT`+`~(Revised w/ Note!)
~`+`~ASH WEDNESDAY ~ FIRST DAY OF LENT`+`~
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In Western Christianity, Ash Wednesday marks the first day, or the start of the season of Lent, which begins 40 days prior to Easter (Sundays are not included in the count). Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. During some Ash Wednesday services, the minister will lightly rub the sign of the cross with ashes
onto the foreheads of worshipers.
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Not all Christian churches observe Ash Wednesday or Lent. They are mostly observed by the Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and Anglican denominations, and also by Roman Catholics. Eastern Orthodox churches observe Lent or Great Lent, during the 6 weeks or 40 days preceding Palm Sunday with fasting continuing during the Holy Week of Orthodox Easter. Lent for Eastern Orthodox churches begins on Monday (called Clean Monday) and Ash Wednesday is not observed.
The Bible does not mention Ash Wednesday or the custom of Lent, however, the practice of repentance and mourning in ashes is found in 2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1; Job 2:8; Daniel 9:3; and Matthew 11:21
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Number of Worldwide Members:
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The Roman Catholic church denomination is the largest Christian group
in the world today
with more than a billion followers constituting about half
of the world's Christian population.
Roman Catholic Church Founding:
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The New Testament disciples of Jesus Christ provided the beginning origins
of the Roman Catholic church. As early as 380 AD, the Roman Empire declared
the Catholic church to be the official religion of the Empire. For the first
thousand years of Christianity no other established denominations existed,
only "the one, holy, Catholic Church."
For more about Catholic history visit Roman Catholic Denomination - Brief History. -
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Prominent Roman Catholic Church Founders:
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Although many (including Catholics) claim that the Apostle Peter was the first Pope, some historians give this title to the Roman Bishop Leo I (440-461). He was the first to claim ultimate authority over all of Christendom. Likewise, non-Catholics generally agree that the Roman Catholic church as an institution began when Gregory I was appointed as bishop of Rome in AD 590. Gregory strongly influenced the organization of the papal system and standardized the liturgy and theology
of the Roman Catholic church.
Geography:
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Roman Catholicism is by far the largest worldwide Christian denomination. It is the majority religion of Italy, Spain, and nearly all Latin American countries. In America it is the largest individual Christian denomination,
encompass about 25 percent of the population.
Roman Catholic Church Governing Body:
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The Roman Catholic church structure is hierarchical, headed by the pope in Rome. Its government is run by the cardinals living in Rome, and is concerned with matters of wide significance. The Church is organized and divided by diocese, with bishop and archbishops, overseeing these territories. With certain restrictions, the pope names the bishops. Dioceses are made up of parishes, each of which has a church and a priest.
The pope controls bishops mainly by general legislation.
Thanks ever so much,
'George'-'Wordrider1
and 'The Poetess'-Elena'
for your kind visits and encouraging words!
God Blessings to all!
`angelic`star`
BTW...ADDED NOTE FROM AUTHOR!
Just noticed by messages posted on Message Center,
that it is the Wonderful Birthday
of Janet, author3578...PP;s Most admired AND
greatly appreciated beautiful 'Social Butterfly'.
You are so loved, Janet Dear, by all of us
so we all Wish Tons of Birthday Wishes
with Graciously Filled Blessings to You
our very sweet friend, from God above!
Janie & all PP's Wingless Angels!
`A VERY HAPPY AND RICHLY BLESSED BIRTHDAY
TO YOU , MAY THE WIND ALWAYS BE AT YOUR BACK
WITH MANY MORE HAPPY DAYS TO COME YOUR WAY!
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