As the orthodox denominations all over the world commence this year Lenten season on Wednesday, 2nd March, 2022, The Archbishop/ Bishop of Igbobini Diocese, Methodist Church Nigeria, The Most Rev. Dr O O.C Fafeyiwa, had implored all Christians to resist the devil, who relentlessly looking for whom to devour, and flee from all manner of evils.
He made this statement while delivering his sermon during the Ash-Wednesday Service held at Methodist Cathedral, Okitipupa. According to him, the Lenten season should be observed with fasting, prayer, self-denial, and meditation on the word of God.
Furthermore, confession of sins with contrite heart brings about the true meaning of Lent. It also the best time dedicated for the giving of alms to the most vulnerable in our society. As a practical demonstration of divine love for humanity as commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Archbishop Fafeyiwa expounded that Ash-Wednesday is usually marked with the placing of ashes on the foreheads of the worshipers. Which symbolizes that man is made from the dust and unto dust he shall return! Also, according to the scripture is a sign of remorse and appeasing for mercy against wrongdoings and judgments of God (Ezra 3: Jonah 3:3).
According to the Church tradition, the palm fonts used during the celebration of Palm-Sunday in the previous year are usually kept and burnt into ashes for purpose of Ash-Wednesday. Although not all denominations believe in the doctrine of Lenten Season except, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Anglican and a few others.
This year Lenten season shall be observed between Wednesday, 2nd March and Saturday, 16th April 2022. To commemorate the forty days fasting and prayers as observed by Moses in the Old Testament and Jesus’ Christ in the New Testament. The Sundays are not part of the Lenten days because it is believed to be a day of celebration and the day our Lord Jesus Christ rose from dead. Throughout the Lenten season according to the practice of the Church no ceremonial service shall be conducted, he stated!
The Most Rev. Dr O.O.C Fafeyiwa, congratulated the congregants for witnessing another Lenten season and wholeheartedly prayed that God shall continue to uphold, sustain, and satisfy them with His favors.
