The Pentecost -
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me.” (Acts 1:8)
Importance of the Feast
The Coptic Orthodox church celebrates 7 Major Feasts every year. The Pentecost is one of them. The other 6 major feasts are: The Annunciation, Nativity, Epiphany, Palm Sunday, Resurrection, and the Ascension.
The feast of Pentecost is very important because it is the feast of the Holy Spirit. As Christ ascended into heaven, He tells His disciples not to fear because He will send down the Holy Spirit as their Comforter. Thus, the Holy Spirit descended on the holy and pure apostles in the form of tongues of fire.
Pentecost is considered the day that the Church was established. On this day we are filled with the Holy Spirit, who guides us, supports us, purifies us, and gives us strength.
The Theme of the Holy Spirit Post-Pentecost
With Pentecost celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles, we are reminded of the great gift of His help and comfort. It is with the power of the Holy Spirit that the disciples were able to go throughout the earth and bring the people to Him. Likewise, it is with the Holy Spirit that we too are given strength to continue renewing our spiritual lives and serve everyone in the world around us.
Hence, the hymn Asomen calls the Holy Spirit the Paraclete or Comforter. Sung during the Apostles' fast- the period directly following Pentecost- it is a fitting bridge connecting the joyous Ascension and Pentecost to the powerful work of the Holy Spirit in the apostles' worldwide ministry.
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