Imposition of Ashes on Ash Wednesday The rubric in the ritual states that ashes are imposed on the head. Although it does not specify the manner of imposition, sprinkling is what was envisioned.This more ancient Roman manner, i.e., sprinkling them on the crown of the head, is actually the traditional practice. It emphasizes the biblical gesture of penitence through ashes placed upon the head and the humility with which we begin Lent. In some regions, it has become customary over the years to impose ashes with the thumb, tracing a cross on the forehead. This is permitted in the United Roman-Ruthenian Church. However, the traditional method of sprinkling the ashes on the top of the head is the preferred standard within the Catholicate of Rome-Ruthenia, as well as throughout theUnited Roman-Ruthenian Church. While the visible cross of ashses has become customary in various parts of the world and can serve a purpose of witness, nevertheless the purpose of this rite is not witness but penance. The deeper meaning of Ash Wednesday is interior repentance. Bowing the head and receiving ashes quietly reminds us that Lent is about conversion of heart. When using the form of sprinkling, the officiant takes a small amount of ash in between the thumb and forefinger and sprinkles it on the crown of the head of the recipient. The recipient kneels and bows the head to receive the ashses. Clergy wearing the zucchetto remove it for this rite. Given at Rome-Ruthenia in the House of Sts. Peter, Andrew, Stephen, and Mark this 18th Day of February in the two thousand twenty sixth year of the Incarnation. [Divine Liturgy] [Main Page]     DISCLAIMER, LEGAL, AND COPYRIGHT NOTICES