Christians mark Ash Wednesday

Photos by Jeff Helsel / Mon Valley Independent

Many Christians headed to church yesterday for Ash Wednesday services. It also marks the beginning of Lent — the 40-day period of abstinence and self-restraint leading up to Easter. Ashes are placed on the forehead and serve as a public expression of faith. At St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Charleroi, the Rev. Jerry Mikonis places ashes on the forehead of Lori DiMarco of Port Vue in the top photo. At right, Father Mikonis reaches to touch the forehead of Talia Scaramucci, 4, during the service. She is joined by her mother, Angela, both of Rostraver Township. See more photos on A2. To purchase these photos and more from our online photo gallery, go to our website at www.monvalleyindependent.com.

At St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Charleroi, the Rev. Jerry Mikonis reaches to touch the forehead of Talia Scaramucci, 4, during the Ash Wednesday service. She was joined by her mother, Angela, both of Rostraver Township.
Jeff Helsel / MVI