Oriental Christians observe Ash Monday

February 21, 2012: Catholics of India’s two Oriental rites yesterday observed Ash Monday on February 20 to mark the beginning of lent.
Lent for the Syro Malabar and Syro Malankara Churches last 10 days more than what Latin rite Catholics and Protestant Christians observe.
Even though the Church laws do not stipulate abstention from meat and fish on all days of Lent, especially on Sundays, Oriental Christians abstain from meat, fish and alcohol throughout Lent voluntarily.
These Catholics are part of seven mainstream Christian Churches in Kerala that trace the origins of their faith to Saint Thomas the Apostle.
Oriental Catholics attended churches in large numbers on the first day of Lent. The ceremony includes a penitential Mass in which the priest makes the sign of the cross with ashes on the forehead of each Catholic.
Traditionally, Lent in Eastern Churches begins on the seventh Monday before Easter.