On the fiftieth day of the exodus from Egyptian slavery, the Lord gave the Jewish people 10 commandments. Almost fifteen hundred years later He sent another gift. Gift of the Holy Spirit
The Virgin Mary and the Apostles gathered together to celebrate Pentecost.
Suddenly there was a noise like wind, although they were indoors. It is unclear where the flames appeared from and each apostle received one petal of Heavenly fire. Bright, but not burning, but filling. The disciples of Christ were filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke in other tongues, and acquired wisdom and courage.
The Comforter promised by Jesus appeared in the glory of God to be with us forever.
This miracle attracted many people who came to the city for the holiday. Each of them was amazed that the apostles could speak his or her own dialect.
What a symbolic action! After all, the Church of Christ unites all nations. Through the Holy Spirit, the connection with God that was broken in Eden is restored. But not only that. Family intimacy with each other becomes possible. On the birthday of the church, we all became brothers and sisters.
The Holy Trinity appeared on that day so that we would be confirmed in the thought of the trinity of God. The human mind cannot comprehend how this is possible, but the heart simply knows: the Lord is one in three persons. This is a fundamental law of the Christian faith. And the service on this day is solemn, one of the most beautiful of the year.
Great Vespers is served immediately after the Liturgy, followed by the kneeling prayer of the clergy and parishioners. On this day, temples are decorated with branches and greenery, and the priests’ robes are also green. Just as life is revived after a long winter, so our souls are inspired thanks to the life-giving and renewing power of the Holy Spirit.
All the Sacraments of the church: baptism, wedding, communion, confession, all this is the action of the Holy Spirit. Without him they would not have been possible.
This holiday ends the post-Easter period, believers reverently return to prostrations and prayers with kneeling. With all their hearts they thank the Lord for sending the Comforter and Helper, for once again confirming their love for people.
Orthodox people in all corners of the world, in different languages, thank the Lord, exclaiming with reverence and reverence: “In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit!” So let us say, brothers and sisters, a unanimous “Amen!”
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