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Christian Year

Ask The UMC: Christian Year of The United Methodist Church. Ask The UMC is a service of United Methodist Communications. Art by United Methodist Communications.

With other Christians, The United Methodist Church celebrates the special days of the Christmas season (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany) and the Easter season (Lent, Easter, Pentecost).

Other special Christian days fall during Ordinary Time, including Trinity Sunday, All Saints' Day and Christ the King Sunday.

Find out more about these special times of the year.

Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. Although Ash Wednesday has ancient roots, it does not appear in the rituals of The United Methodist Church or our predecessor denominations until the 20th century. Photo illustration by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.
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Ask The UMC-FAQs

When did Ash Wednesday begin and why do we celebrate it?

Ashes are an ancient symbol that have marked Christians for centuries. Ask The UMC explains the significance.

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Lent is a journey of preparation for following the way of Jesus. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.
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Ask The UMC-FAQs

What is Lent and why does it last forty days?

Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday.

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Advent - Christmas

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Lent - Easter

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Ordinary Time - Special Days

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