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Need For Spirituality
Practical Guidance
Clarification
of Doubts
Children's Corner
Activities Worldwide
Religious Festivals
Implied Meanings
Spiritual Experiences
Science of Spirituality
Experiment of the Subtle Dimension
Saints' Quotes
Readers' View
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Orthodox Christian feast of the Holy Trinity*
[The Holy Spirit - 'Duhovi' or the Pentecost] - Part II
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(Continued from Issue 127)
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Historical perspective and significance for
seekers on the Path of Chanting**
The experience of the people, who were in Jerusalem, Israel
at the time of the descent of the Holy Spirit, is described in the
Holy Bible, Acts 2:5, as follows: "Now they were staying in
Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they
heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because
each one heard them speaking in his own language." Seeing the
commotion, Saint Peter (one of the Apostles) addressed the masses
with these words, "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in
Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I
say. This is what the prophet Joel spoke:
17 "In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on
all people.
Your sons and daughters will
prophesy,
your young men will see
visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in
those days,
and they will prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of
smoke.
20 The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great
and glorious day of the Lord.
21 And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be
saved."
Thus Saint Peter reiterated the importance of the spiritual
practice of chanting The Lords' Name.
Celebration
During the fifty days after the Resurrection of
Jesus Christ, one should not perform solemn rituals, such as fasting
or kneeling in prayer, as these days are considered the most joyous
days of the year. This period is also considered most auspicious for
the Christian rite of baptizing.
As a symbol of the continuity and resurrection of
life, homes and churches are adorned with fresh flowers, tree
branches and leaves on this day. A special wreath of flowers, leaves
and branches is made. The wreath is placed on the altar or near the
icon of Jesus Christ for a year.
One should spend this day in intense prayer and
chanting of the Name of Jesus Christ and attend the Holy liturgy
(worship service) in the church.
* This year, it falls on June 23
** Repeating The Lord's Name as per one's religion.
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