On Wednesday of the Sixth Week of the All-Holy Pascha, we celebrate the Apodosis (Leavetaking) of the Feast. While most holy Feasts have their Leavetaking (Apodosis) on the 8th day, Pascha, the Feast of Feasts, has its Leavetaking (Apodosis) on the Thirty-Ninth day. The Fortieth Day is the Great Feast of the Divine Ascension of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ, which marks the end of the Lord's physical presence on earth. He does not abandon us, however. He has promised to be with us always, even until the end of the age.

"As they thus spoke, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of the disciples, and saith unto them: "Peace be unto you." But they were terrified and affrighted and supposed that they had seen a spirit...And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. And it came to pass while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and were continually in the Temple, praising and blessing God. Amen." (St. Luke 24:36-53; Acts 1:3-14)

"The Holy Eucharist (literally "thanksgiving") is the Mystery (Sacrament) in which the bread and wine of offering are changed by the Holy Spirit into the True Body and True Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, and then the believers receive communion of them for a most intimate union with Christ and eternal life. This Mystery (Sacrament) is composed, thus of two separate moments: 1) the changing or transformation of the bread and wine into the very Body and Blood of the Lord, and (2) the Communion of these Holy Gifts. It is called "the Eucharist," "the Lord's Supper," the Mystery of the Body and Blood of Christ."

Forty days after His Resurrection Christ ascended into heaven, where He had been previously, according to His own words to the Disciples before His Passion: "Does this offend you? What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? (St. John 6:61-62). Of course, this does not mean that Christ, as God, was not in heaven during the time of His incarnation, but that He would go up even with his human flesh. Moreover, His coming down from heaven is meant as Divine condescension and not as a change of place.

On this Memorial Day celebrated in the United States, our beloved country, we honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom, justice, and love of country. It is also a day of remembering the great courage with which they performed their duty to God and country. What a splendid example for young and old to emulate and to cherish. We are indeed inspired by their selflessness, devotion, and patriotism.