After the women discovered the empty tomb, Christ appeared several times to the disciples in the flesh. He spoke to them, ate food, and prepared them for service. On the fortieth day after Passover, Christ gathered his disciples on Mount Olives, in Bethany. He blessed them and ascended to heaven as he was. In the flesh. Two angels appeared before the disciples, saying that as Jesus ascended, so he will return in his own time.
It was a sad moment for the students: The teacher left them. But He promised them a helper, a comforter, and there were only 10 days left. On the feast of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, giving them strength, strengthening their faith and serving as the beginnings of spreading the good news.
In the early years of Christianity, Pentecost was celebrated for several days and the Resurrection coincided with festivities. But later, this day became an independent holiday. It is always celebrated on the 40-1 day after Easter, so the dates in different years are different. The day of the week is the same: Thursday.
The iconography of images dedicated to the Resurrection is classic. In the center of the icon is always depicted the Virgin surrounded by 12 apostles. Christ ascends above her head, surrounded by angels. Some icons depict the footprint of His foot. The apostles are depicted standing or kneeling.
The Lord is near, wrote the Apostle Paul. On the holiday of Resurrection, this is felt especially strongly.
He is near, residing at every point of space, but will return in the flesh as he left: to the Mount of Olives. This could happen at any time, so on the Ascension Feast, it’s good to ask ourselves if we’re ready for the Coming.
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