Orthodox Pentecost Monday
The Monday after Pentecost is observed in the Eastern Orthodox Church as the Day of the Holy Spirit, Monday of the Holy Spirit, or Orthodox Pentecost Monday. It is the first day of the after-feast of Pentecost—a holiday dedicated specifically to the honor of God the Holy Spirit and His revelation of the Holy Trinity to the apostles.
In the Orthodox Church, it is a holiday of great joy and celebration, and its observance can be traced through centuries of tradition. Although some traditions on this holiday mirror those of Orthodox Pentecost, there are a few other traditions that are unique to this particular day of the year.
The History of Orthodox Pentecost Monday
In the Acts of the Apostles, the apostles are described as gathering in Jerusalem with the Virgin Mary after the Ascension of Christ. On the day of Pentecost, a mighty wind fills the house where they have chosen to gather, and tongues of fire appeared over their heads.
It is at this moment that the Holy Spirit is said to have descended upon them, and they were filled with awe of God’s power and truth. Pentecost Monday is the day that is celebrated the day after this event. Pentecost Monday is seen as a continuation of Pentecost.
Observing Orthodox Pentecost Monday
On this day, the reading of the Gospel of John features prominently in many churches. This book of the Bible is a recounting of Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit to the world. In some Orthodox churches, the Gospel is read in multiple languages to convey the universality of the Church. The reading of this passage is then followed by a sermon and then prayer.
Overall, Pentecost Monday is an important holiday in the Orthodox Church, not only on a religious level but also on a cultural one. It is a day of jubilance and celebration and is observed by many people through a number of observances. People can spread the word about this holiday using the hashtag #OrthodoxPentecostMonday on social media.