An Ash Wednesday service will be held at Batavia's First Presbyterian Church at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Ashes will be placed on attendees' foreheads as a symbol of penitence and as a sign of Christians' healing mission in the world.
Ash Wednesday marks the start of the 40 season of Lent, which is a time when many Christians dedicate themselves to fasting and prayer in preparation for Easter.
Rev. Roula Alkhouri, the pastor of First Presbyterian, says that Ash Wednesday and Lent are also about "a journey of turning back toward God."
"Lent is also a season of healing," she adds. "We open up our lives so that we may see into the depths of our souls."
The church is located at 330 E. Main St. Please contact pastor Alkhouri by phone at (585) 343-0505 or e-mail roula@rochester.com with any questions.
