What is Pentecost ?

Pentecost is a significant Christian holiday celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ, as described in the biblical book of Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1–31). This event is widely regarded as the "Birthday of the Church" and marks the beginning of the Christian church's mission to the world.

The term "Pentecost" originates from the Koine Greek word pentēkostē, meaning "fiftieth." This refers to the fact that it occurs on the fiftieth day after Easter, inclusive of Easter Sunday. Historically, Pentecost has roots in the Jewish festival of Shavuot, also known as the Feast of Weeks, which was a harvest festival celebrated 50 days after Passover. In the Old Testament, Shavuot was a thanksgiving for the firstfruits of the wheat harvest and later became associated with the remembrance of the Law given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Christian observance of Pentecost transformed this Jewish feast, linking the gift of the Holy Spirit to the followers of Jesus as the "firstfruits of a new dispensation" that fulfilled the old dispensation of the Law.

The biblical account in Acts 2 describes the disciples gathered together when a sound like a mighty rushing wind filled the house, and "tongues as of fire" appeared and rested on each of them. They were then "filled with the Holy Spirit" and began to speak in other languages, allowing people from various nations gathered in Jerusalem for the Shavuot festival to understand their message in their native tongues. This miraculous event enabled the apostles to proclaim the wonders of God to a diverse international crowd. Peter then delivered a sermon, leading to the baptism of about 3,000 people that day, signifying the launch of the Church.

The Holy Spirit, a central figure in the Holy Trinity alongside God the Father and Jesus the Son, is understood as the very presence of God dwelling among and within believers. The Holy Spirit acts as a comforter, advocate, and guide, empowering Christians to live out their faith and proclaim the Gospel. The symbols associated with Pentecost often include wind, fire, and the color red, representing the Holy Spirit's power, zeal, and the "tongues of fire." The dove is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit, recalling its descent "like a dove" upon Jesus at his baptism.

Pentecost is a "moveable feast" because its date depends on the date of Easter, which itself has no fixed date. In many countries, Pentecost Monday is observed as a public holiday. The liturgical celebrations of Pentecost are rich and varied across Christian denominations, often involving special liturgies, red vestments, and decorations with flowers and greenery.