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Pentecost is a major Feast Day that marks the traditional beginning of the Universal Church referred to as One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.    Pentecost was originally celebrated as an ancient Jewish festival known as Shavuot, referred to with other titles such as the “Feast of weeks” or the “day of first fruits”.

It is no coincidence that 50 days after Christ’s resurrection, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to the apostles and others present in the upper room, just as Jesus foretold.  In this act of supernatural presence, the Holy Spirit imparted to each the special gifts needed to declare the Gospel with an urgency and understanding in what they were about to do – risk their very lives to preach the love of God to the world.

In the Eastern Churches, we have a beautifully simple prayer to the Holy Spirit that we pray throughout the year.  This is a prayer of petition and acknowledgement of how we rely on God for the graces we have received from the Holy Spirit.  We also pray to continue to remain in those graces.  As we do so, we remember that the Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity, and we pray to Him for guidance and to seek comfort and wisdom.   And since these are all things we always need, we might wish to say this prayer as often as we can.

Pentecost may be a short period of time on the liturgical calendar.   But the Holy Spirit is with us at all times.   Our journey forward would be incomplete without putting our trust in the Holy Spirit, who guides us gently and quietly, even in times of difficulty.   We should make every effort to be aware of the actions of the Holy Spirit in our lives and always express gratitude for His Presence in the ways we are blessed.

See also on this site:  Our Traditions / Pentecost

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth
You are everywhere present and fill all things.
Treasury of blessings and Giver of Life,
Come and dwell within us,
Cleanse us of all stain,
And save our souls O Gracious One.