Orthodox Churches across Syria celebrate Pentecost
ZALIN (QAMISHLI), Syria – On Sunday, Orthodox Churches across Syria celebrated Pentecost, a day which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem. Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church Mor Ignatius Aphrem II spoke about the meaning of this feast and its importance to the Church.
Pentecost, which comes 50 days after Easter, is celebrated with a feast. During the Holy Mass, the Priest blesses water with special prayers and sprays believers inside the church with the holy water.
Water symbolizes to the tongues of the Holy Spirit when it came to the Apostles and our Lady in the form of flames.
Children usually celebrate this holiday in their own way, spraying water at one another and passers-by.
His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and the Rest of Syriac Orthodox Church, celebrated Pentecost at St. George’s Patriarchate in Bab Touma, Daramsuq (Damascus).
In his sermon, His Holiness spoke of Pentecost, the Church’s founding day, and noted that the advent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles in Jerusalem was an event that changed many things. It was then that the Holy Spirit encouraged the Apostles to spread the Gospel to the world.
He noted that the Apostles had fasted and prayed for Holy Spirit to lead them and inspire them in all their work.
He added that the Holy Spirit protects the Church from false teachings and strengthens the faith of its children in times of distress.