Thursday, May 24, 2012

The Ascension of Christ





Today we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus Christ. This feast day is celebrated every year forty days after the Resurrection. Some of you may recall this event from the Scriptures (Mark 16:9-20, also Luke 24:36-53)


Here is the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese's reading for today goarch.org and a quote to follow:

"...Saying these things, He led them to the Mount of Olives, and raising His hands, He blessed them; and saying again the words of the Father's blessing, He was parted from them and taken up. Immediately a cloud of light, a proof of His majesty, received Him. Sitting thereon as though on a royal chariot, He was taken up into Heaven, and after a short time was concealed from the sight of the disciples, who remained where they were with their eyes fixed on Him. At this point, two Angels in the form of men in white raiment appeared to them and said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into Heaven? This same Jesus, Who is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into Heaven" (Acts 1:11). These words, in a complete and concise manner, declare what is taught in the Symbol of Faith concerning the Son and Word of God. Therefore, having so fulfilled all His dispensation for us, our Lord Jesus Christ ascended in glory into Heaven, and sat at the right hand of God the Father. As for His sacred disciples, they returned from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem, rejoicing because Christ had promised to send them the Holy Spirit..."
 Check out http://orthodoxwiki.org/Ascension for more information.

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