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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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Green is the color for the Season after Epiphany. Readings during this season offer two distinct paths to follow. Photo by Susanne Nilsson, Flickr, Creative Commons.
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Ask The UMC-FAQs

What is the purpose of the Season after Epiphany?

The purpose of the Season after Epiphany is to help the congregation prepare for its work during Lent — to walk with candidates preparing for baptism.

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Advent - Christmas

Lent - Easter

Ordinary Time - Special Days

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