Orthodox Ascension Day, also known as the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord, commemorates Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven, marking the end of His earthly ministry and His exaltation at the right hand of the Father.

Table of Contents

1. When is Orthodox Ascension Day?
2. The History of Orthodox Ascension Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. Ascension Day and Orthodox Ascension Day

When is Orthodox Ascension Day?

Orthodox Ascension Day is observed 40 days after Orthodox Easter Sunday, following the Julian calendar. Its date varies each year because Orthodox Easter is a movable feast based on the Julian calendar and the timing of the Paschal full moon.

The following is the list of Orthodox Ascension Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Orthodox Ascension Day

Orthodox Ascension Day is one of the Great Feasts in the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar. It commemorates Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven, 40 days after His resurrection. The feast has deep roots in early Christianity and reflects theological themes of Christ's glorification, divine authority, and the promise of the Holy Spirit.

According to the Biblical origins, after His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples for 40 days, teaching them about the Kingdom of God. On the 40th day, He led His disciples to the Mount of Olives, where He blessed them and ascended into heaven in a cloud while angels foretold His return.

At the Apostolic Era, the Ascension was venerated by the earliest Christian communities as a pivotal event in Christ's ministry, demonstrating His divine authority and the fulfillment of His mission. By the 4th century, the Ascension was celebrated as a distinct feast day in the Christian calendar. References to the Ascension appear in the writings of early Church Fathers. The Ascension was also incorporated into the Paschal cycle, with its date fixed at 40 days after Pascha (Easter).

During the Byzantine era, the feast of the Ascension became more elaborate, with specific hymns, prayers, and scriptural readings emphasizing Christ's victory and divine authority.

In many predominantly Christian countries, Ascension Day is a public holiday with both religious and cultural significance.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On Orthodox Ascension Day, Orthodox Christians engage in a variety of religious and community activities. The day is marked by a balance of worship and celebration, commemorating Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven and His glorification.

Orthodox Christians participate in a special Divine Liturgy, which includes hymns and readings focused on the Ascension. Many believers spend time in prayer and reflection on the meaning of the Ascension, focusing on Christ's glorification and the hope of His return.

In some Orthodox traditions, fields, homes, or crops are blessed on Ascension Day, asking for God's protection and abundance.

Families and friends gather after the Divine Liturgy for shared meals to celebrate the spiritual joy of the feast. Traditional foods often include bread and other festive dishes.

In some regions, people climb hills or mountains to symbolize Christ's ascension from the Mount of Olives. Reflecting Christ's love and mission, many Orthodox Christians use the day to help those in need, donate to charity, or perform acts of kindness.

Ascension Day begins the 10-day period of preparation for Pentecost, encouraging believers to pray and meditate on the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Ascension Day and Orthodox Ascension Day

Both Ascension Day and Orthodox Ascension Day commemorate the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, but they differ in their timing and cultural traditions due to differences in the Western Christian (Gregorian) calendar and the Eastern Orthodox (Julian) calendar.

Ascension Day is celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday based on the Gregorian calendar, while Orthodox Ascension Day is celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday based on the Julian calendar.

Ascension Day is part of the Easter season in the Western Christian tradition (Roman Catholic, Protestant, Anglican), while Orthodox Ascension Day is part of the Paschal cycle in Eastern Orthodoxy, leading up to Pentecost.

On Ascension Day, people climb hills or towers to symbolize Christ's ascent in some regions. Similar customs exist in certain Orthodox regions, but they are often tied to local traditions.

Processions and ecumenical services may emphasize unity and mission on Ascension Day, while community gatherings and shared meals are common after the Divine Liturgy on Orthodox Ascension Day.

Ascension Day emphasizes Jesus's return to the Father and His divine kingship, and Orthodox Ascension Day celebrates Christ's enthronement at the right hand of the Father.