Commuters get ‘Ashes to Go’ at Irvington train station

A church in Irvington made it easier for Christians to receive ashes on this Ash Wednesday.

News 12 Staff

Mar 2, 2022, 12:49 PM

Updated 1,005 days ago

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A church in Irvington made it easier for Christians to receive ashes on this Ash Wednesday.
The Rev. Gareth Evans, rector at the St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, started his "Ashes To Go" program at the Irvington train station a few years ago to help people who may not have time for church observe the holy day.
"Finding ways to do 'church without walls' is really important," says Evans.
Evans still hosted a traditional Ash Wednesday service at the church and also held a candlelight vigil service for the crisis in Ukraine.
"You find yourself somewhat in pieces over this, and this is an opportunity for everybody to get together and say yes, this is truly a devastating moment and we will pray for the people of Ukraine."
Other local religious leaders were alongside Evans to pray for the country under siege by Russia.
"So it's time for people of faith to gather together to offer our prayers of peace for Ukraine. to support the people in need there, to gather together as a community, to support one another, to work for peace in our own country," says the Rev. Blaine Crawford, of the Irvington Presbyterian Church.
The candlelight vigil was held outside the St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Irvington.