Pentecost, Feast of

MARIA GWYN MCDOWELL

A great feast of the church observed fifty days after Pascha, celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit, the full revelation of the trinitarian mystery, and the commence­ment of the church’s mission in the world. On the Jewish pilgrimage feast of Pentecost commemorating the presentation ofthe law to Moses, the Holy Spirit descended upon the followers of Jesus gathered in Jerusalem, inspiring the preaching of the gospel in languages comprehensible to all present (Acts 2). A fulfillment prophecy (Joel 2.28–9) liturgically commemorated by the singing of Galatians 3.27, joyfully acknowl­edges the ongoing participation of the baptized, regardless of social status, in Christ through the Holy Spirit. At Vespers on this day solemn prayers of intercession are made.

SEE ALSO: Deification; Evangelism; Holy Spirit