Pentecost - Descent of the Holy Spirit

Glory to Jesus Christ!

On the fiftieth day after Pascha, we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost which marks the end of the Paschal season. This feast celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Twelve Apostles of Jesus by which the Catholic Church was solemnly inaugurated.

The descent of the Holy Spirit, which fulfilled God's promise to send the "promise of the Father" to the Apostles, completed the revelation of the Holy Trinity. Pentecost reveals the power of the Holy Spirit through the story of the Apostles receiving the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, empowering them to teach, heal, and lead the Church. We receive these gifts through the Sacred Mysteries of Baptism, Chrismation, and Holy Eucharist, making us "partakers of the divine nature" and true children of God. The process of growing in the divine life is called deification or divinization, theosis, and is only achieved through cooperation with the Holy Spirit. The Eastern Fathers of the Church call for constant prayer to the Holy Spirit for His guidance and cleansing.

Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, everywhere present and filling all things, Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life, come and dwell within us, cleanse us of all stain, and save our souls, O gracious One.

Click here to learn more about Pentecost.