In the Old Testament, this refers to a feast of seven weeks (50 days) after the first day of Passover, called the Festival of Weeks. It was linked to the harvest of the first crops.
In the New Testament, the disciples were gathered on the first day of this feast in the upper room to celebrate when the Spirit of God descended upon them. The Holy Spirit allowed the disciples to speak in languages they did not know, but which people from other countries and cultures recognized.
Acolytes hold "flaming tongues"
over their heads
Pentecost 2005
For us in the Episcopal Church, we understand the meaning of Pentecost to be a part of the imparting of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit as well as the event which marks the call to spread the Gospel to the world. It is celebrated the seventh Sunday after Easter.
Click below to return to:
Holy Week Schedule
Main Menu