Protestants’ observance of holy month varies
Surat, February 18, 2026
Christians worldwide observe Ash Wednesday today, marking the start of Lent. Denominations differ in how they commemorate the day, with practices ranging from formal liturgies to simple services or personal reflection.
Catholics receive ashes and begin a season of fasting and penance, while many Protestant groups vary in observance. During services, worshippers receive a cross of ash on the forehead, symbolising mourning, repentance, and human frailty, clergy say.
George Sinclair, Rector of Church of the Messiah in Ottawa, urges believers to pursue a “Gospel‑shaped Lent.” Writing for ca.thegospelcoalition.org, he describes Lent as “a season where you commit to a deeper holiness and more vibrant discipleship.”
Lent spans 40 days of fasting and prayer, reflecting Christ’s time in the wilderness. It begins on Ash Wednesday, excludes Sundays as feast days, and concludes on Holy Saturday before Easter.
Christianity.com contributor Candice Lucey notes that Protestant observance varies widely. Liturgical traditions such as Lutherans, Anglicans, and Methodists follow structured practices, while Evangelicals, Baptists, and many non‑denominational churches may not observe Lent formally. Where practiced, Lent often centres on reflection, prayer, and voluntary self‑denial. Holy Week services are typically simpler than in Catholicism, with Good Friday marked by scripture readings or preaching. Easter Sunday remains the main celebration.
In Catholicism, Lent is a structured, sacramental season emphasising penance, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday require fasting, and all Fridays of Lent call for abstinence from meat. Confession and charitable acts are strongly encouraged.
Some Christian groups either do not follow these practices or observe Lent differently. Dr Rabin Chacko, a church elder from Vellore, Tamil Nadu, says, “We do not observe Ash Wednesday or consider it an auspicious event because the Bible does not specifically mention it. This day is a preparation for worshippers for the coming 40 days of fasting and praying before Easter Sunday.”
Bombay Baptist Church Pastor Caleb Victor shares similar view. “All rituals are good only when seen in their context and relevance to practitioners. Imposing rituals without any Christological connections would be futile and misleading,” he says.
Though Lent practices, rituals, and forms of abstinence differ across Christian traditions, the shared focus remains on Christ’s 40 days of prayer and fasting in the wilderness.
