The Season of Pentecost

What is Pentecost?

The Acts of the Apostles recounts the story of the original Pentecost (Acts 2). Jews from all over were gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish feast. On that Sunday, ten days after the Ascension of Our Lord, the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary were gathered in the Upper Room, where they had seen Christ after His Resurrection:

Christ had promised His Apostles that He would sent His Holy Spirit, and, on Pentecost, they were granted the gifts of the Spirit. The Apostles began to preach the Gospel in all of the languages that the Jews who were gathered there spoke, and about 3,000 people were converted and baptized that day.

That is why Pentecost is often called “the birthday of the Church.” On this day, with the descent of the Holy Spirit, Christ’s mission is completed, and the New Covenant is inaugurated. It’s interesting to note that St. Peter, the first pope, was already the leader and spokesman for the Apostles on Pentecost Sunday (see Acts 2:14ff).

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with divers tongues, according as the Holy Ghost gave them to speak.” [Acts 2:2-4]

Why wear red on Pentecost Sunday?

Red recalls the tongues of  flame in which the Holy Spirit descended on the first Pentecost.

Taken from St. Paul’s Liturgical Calendar and Holy Cross Episcopal Dictionary

Please know you are always welcomed at our Sunday services at 8:30 and 10:00 to learn how this is realized in our world. May God’s peace be with you and all that you do!

The short video below offers a glimpse into the life of our congregation as people answer the question “What do you love about King of Peace?”