Pentecost
Christian holy day / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Pentecost (also called Whit Sunday, Whitsunday or Whitsun) is a Christian holiday which takes place on the 49th day (50th day when inclusive counting is used) after Easter Sunday.[1] It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Mary, mother of Jesus and the Apostles of Jesus while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks, as described in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1–31).[2] While the Catholic Church believes the Holy Spirit descended upon Mary, this is not recorded in the New Testament.
Pentecost | |
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Observed by | Catholic Church, Old Catholics, Lutherans, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Amish, Anglicans and other Christians |
Type | Christian |
Significance | Celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus; birth of the Church |
Celebrations | Church services, festive meals, processions, baptism, confirmation, ordination, folk customs, dancing, spring and woodland rites. |
Observances | Prayer, vigils, fasting (pre-festival), novenas, retreats, Holy Communion, litany |
Date | 50 days after Easter |
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Related to | Jesus Day, Shavuot, Rosalia, Green Week, Pinkster, Whit Monday, Whit Tuesday, Whit Friday, Trinity Sunday |
Pentecost is one of the Great feasts in the Eastern Orthodox Church, a Solemnity in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, a Festival in the Lutheran Churches, and a Principal Feast in the Anglican Communion. Many Christian denominations provide a special liturgy for this holy celebration. Since its date depends on the date of Easter, Pentecost is a "moveable feast". The Monday after Pentecost is a legal holiday in many European, African and Caribbean countries.