Midfeast of Pentecost

On Wednesday 29 May, the day of the Epiphany of Pentecost, the Divine Liturgy and the small consecration of water were celebrated in the church of St. Sergius of Radonezh.

The Epiphany of Holy Pentecost is one of the oldest Christian feasts. Church historians agree that it was established around the fourth century, at the time of St John Chrysostom. It is known that after His Resurrection the Saviour stayed on earth for forty days, after which He ascended into heaven. He warned the Apostles that in a few days they would be baptised with the Holy Spirit. Indeed, on the fiftieth day after Easter, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples of Christ. They received the gift of preaching the Word of God. The Feast of the Epiphany commemorates the midpoint of this period. The celebration begins on the twenty-fifth day after Easter. The Epiphany, as it were, establishes a connection between Easter and the Feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit. The Saviour once compared the grace of the Holy Spirit to water, which gives life to all. Now the Church on the day of the Epiphany after the liturgy performs a small water consecration. She asks the Lord to "give thirsty souls the waters of godliness".