Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent in the Episcopal Church, a time of reflection and preparation for Easter. On this day, worshippers receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross, symbolizing repentance and mortality. The liturgy emphasizes themes of humility, penance, and spiritual renewal, encouraging individuals to examine their lives and seek deeper connections with God. It is a call to fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, inviting the faithful to embark on a journey of transformation. As part of the Episcopal calendar, Ash Wednesday serves as a poignant reminder of the need for grace and the hope of resurrection.