The Feast of Mid-Pentecost: A Message From the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North & Central America

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

"On Mid-Pentecost we hear the call of the Lord: 'Whosoever thirsteth, let him come to Me and drink' (John 7:37). If this is so, then let us all run to Him. Whatever you thirst for - so long as it is not contrary to the Spirit of the Lord - you will find relief in Him." - St Theophan the Recluse, 1815-1894

Mid-Pentecost is, in the words of the Pentecostarion, "the middle of those days which commence with Christ God's saving Rising and which are sealed by Pentecost." It is a most radiant and majestic feast in that it is "illuminated by both the feasts" - flashing forth like a flawless diamond upon which brilliant light is shined from right and left, and gushing forth like a powerful fountain of water which is fed by two mighty streams. Let us all quaff deeply of "the waters of piety" which flow from Him Who is the very Well-spring of Life! "Having been enlightened by the Resurrection and Christ the Saviour, O ye brethren, and having reached the midst of the feast of the Master, let us truly keep the commandments of God, that we may be counted worthy to celebrate the Ascension and be vouchsafed the coming of the Holy Spirit" (Doxastikon on the Praises).

Beginning on the Leavetaking of the feast of Mid-Pentecost, Wednesday, May 25th and continuing through Friday, May 27th we members of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America will gather in Chicago to pray and work together, doing our part in building up the Holy Church in this land to the glory of God and the salvation of souls. Among things to be discussed during the sessions in Chicago will be the work of our Assembly's thirteen committees, its Secretariat, and the fourteen agencies and endorsed-organizations. The prayers of all our Christ-loving clergy, monastics and lay people are earnestly requested, that the same Spirit Whom our Saviour poured forth as Living Water to sate the thirst of His Holy Disciples might inspire us as we labor for His glory.

The Members of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America