THE TIME OF PENTECOST

It begins with a midday prayer on Pentecost.

Pentecost is a Christian holiday which takes place on the 50th day after Easter Sunday. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks, as described in the Acts of the Apostles. In Western Christianity, Pentecost is celebrated on the 50th day after Easter Sunday. In the United Kingdom, traditionally the next day, Whit Monday, was also a public holiday. The Monday after Pentecost is a legal holiday in many European countries. In Eastern Christianity, Pentecost can also refer to the entire fifty days of Easter through Pentecost inclusive; hence the book containing the liturgical texts is called the "Pentecostarion". Since its date depends on the date of Easter, Pentecost is a "moveable feast"

Significance:
Celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus, birth of the Church

Celebrations:
Church services, festive meals, processions, baptism, confirmation, ordination, folk customs, dancing, spring and woodland rites, festive clothing

Observances:
Prayer, vigils, fasting (pre-festival), novenas, retreats, Holy Communion, litany