My brothers and sisters in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,
CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE. Ο ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΕΝ ΤΩ ΜΕΣΩ ΗΜΩΝ! ΚΑΙ ΗΝ ΚΑΙ ΕΣΤΙ ΚΑΙ ΕΣΤΑΙ.
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THE DESCENT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Feast commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Holy Apostles on the day of Pentecost, a feast of the Jewish tradition. It also celebrates the establishment of the Church through the preaching of the Holy Apostles and the baptism of thousands who on the day believed in the Gospel (Evaggelion "Good News") message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Feast is also seen as the culmination of the revelation of the Holy Trinity.
Since the Jewish Feast of Pentecost was a great pilgrimage feast, many people from throughout the Roman Empire were gathered in Jerusalem on this day. When the people in Jerusalem heard the sound, they came together and heard their own languages being spoken by the Apostles (Acts 2:5-6). The people were amazed, knowing that some of those speaking were Galileans, and not men who would normally speak many different languages. They wondered what this meant, and some even thought the Apostles were drunk (Acts 2:7-13).
Saint Peter the Apostle, hearing these remarks, stood up and addressed the crowd. He preached to the people regarding the Old Testament prophecies about the coming of the Holy Spirit. He spoke about Jesus Christ and His death and Glorious Resurrection. Great conviction fell upon the people, and they asked the Holy Apostles, "What shall we do?" Saint Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38-39).
The Holy Bible records that on that day about 3,000 were baptized. Following, the Book of Acts states that the newly baptized continued daily to hear the teaching of the Holy Apostles, as the early Christians met together for fellowship, the breaking of bread, and for prayer. Many wonderful signs and miracles were done through the Holy Apostles, and the Lord added to the Church daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:42-47).
Holy Icon of the Feast of Pentecost
The holy icon of the Feast of Pentecost is known as "The Descent of the Holy Spirit". It is a holy icon of bold colors of red and gold signifying that this is a great event. The movement of the holy icon is from the top to the bottom. At the top of the holy icon is a semicircle with rays coming from it. The rays are pointing toward the Holy Apostles, and the tongues of fire are seen descending upon each one of them signifying the Descent of the Holy Spirit.
The building in the background of the holy icon represents the upper room where the Holy Disciples of Christ gathered after the Ascension. The Holy Apostles are shown seated in a semicircle which shows the unity of the Church. Included in the group of the Holy Apostles is Saint Paul, who, though not present with the others on the day of Pentecost, became an Apostle of the Church and the greatest missionary. Also, included are the Four Evangelists, St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and Saint John, holding Books of the Gospel, while the other Holy Apostles are holding scrolls that represent the teaching authority given to them by Christ.
In the center of the holy icon below the Holy Apostles, a royal figure is seen against a dark background. This is a symbolic figure, Cosmos, representing the people of the world living in darkness and sin, and involved in pagan worship. However, the figure carries in his hands a cloth containing scrolls which represent the teaching of the Holy Apostles. The Holy Tradition of the Church holds that the Holy Apostles carried the message of the Gospel to all the parts of the world.
In the holy icon of Pentecost we see the fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit, sent down upon the Holy Apostles who will teach the nations and baptize the in the name of the Holy Trinity. Here we see that the Church is brought together and sustained in unity through the presence and work of the Holy Spirit, that the Spirit guides the Church in the Missionary endeavor throughout the world, and that the Spirit nurtures the Body of Christ, the Church, in Truth and Love.
PRAYER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, everywhere present and filling all things. Treasury of blessings and Giver of Life; come and abide in us, cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls, O Good One.
HYMNS OF THE FEAST
Apolytikion (Dismissal) Hymn. Tone Four
Blessed are You, O Christ Our God, Who made fishermen all-wise, by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them, drawing all the world into Your net. O Loving One, glory be to You.
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Kontakion Hymn of the Feast of Pentecost. Tone Four
When the Most High came down and confounded tongues of men at Babel, He divided the nations. When He dispensed the tongues of fire, He called all to unity, and with one voice we glorify the Most Holy Spirit.
[Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]
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"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!"--Saint John Chrysostom
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With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servants of God
+Father George