Descent of the Holy Spirit

Let us celebrate Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit,
The appointed day of promise, and the fulfillment of hope,
The mystery which is as great as it is precious.*

On Pentecost Orthodox-Catholic Christians especially pray for spiritual renewal as the Church liturgically commemorates the Descent of the Holy Spirit. It is through the Holy Spirit that we are filled with God’s divine grace and are bonded in relationship with Christ. It is the Holy Spirit that enables us to do God’s will and to act with love towards others.

For Orthodox-Catholic Christians the physical place where the faithful gather is respected as sacred space where the Holy Spirit is very much present and where God’s grace actively works through the Holy Mysteries (sacraments). Partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ by reception of the Holy Eucharist (communion) especially gives one renewed spiritual strength.

Let’s remember to give thanks for all Christ does for us through the Holy Spirit. Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to act within us and let us strive to purify our hearts so that we can become more and more like Christ.

Saint Seraphim of Sarov writes,

Acquiring the Spirit of God is the true aim of our Christian life, while prayer, fasting, almsgiving and other good works done for Christ’s sake are merely means for acquiring the Spirit of God.

*From the Orthodox All-Night Vigil of Pentecost

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