Ash Wednesday: Christians mark holy day of prayer(11 images)

Christians around the United States celebrate Ash Wednesday, a holy day of prayer and fasting that marks the first day of Lent. Worshipers at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City and a drive-through ritual in Manchester, Mo., are among those receiving ash on their foreheads.

A nun leaves St. Patrick's Cathedral after receiving ashes for Ash Wednesday in New York City on February 22, 2023. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

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Ash Wednesday is a holy day of prayer and fasting in the Catholic Church and many other Christian denominations and marks the first day of Lent. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

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A priest gives ashes to a woman inside St. Patrick's Cathedral. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

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Women take a selfie together after receiving ashes. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

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