Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ May 25, 2023

⛪ The Feast of the Ascension of the Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ is one of the Great Feasts of the Greek Orthodox Church and honors Jesus who was taken up to Heaven in his resurrected body, in the presence of eleven of his apostles.

The Ascension is a significant event in Christian theology because it marks the completion of Jesus' earthly ministry. Jesus had come to earth to preach the gospel, to die on the cross for the sins of humanity, and to rise from the dead. With his ascension into heaven, Jesus returned to the Father, having accomplished his mission on earth.

The Ascension is celebrated on a Thursday each year on the 40th day after the Great and Holy Feast of Pascha (Πάσχα / Easter.) Since the date for Pascha changes each year, the date of the Feast of the Ascension changes as well. For this feast day, priests bless bread and wine, symbolizing the body and blood of Christ, which is then used for communion.

Image: The icon depicts Jesus in Heaven flanked by angels with his apostles below.