Holy Trinity Day does not have exact date- it is usually celebrated on the 50th day after Easter. Thanks to this, an important church holiday has a second well-known name - Pentecost. Where did this holiday beloved by Christians come from, and what are its traditions?
History of occurrence
Pentecost is an ancient Old Testament holiday, traditionally celebrated on the 50th day after the Jewish Passover. The Jews attributed this day to three great celebrations, closely linking it with the acquisition by the people of Israel of the Sinai law, received 50 days after the day of the exodus from Egypt. The celebration of Pentecost has always been accompanied by mass joy, general rejoicing and sacrifices.
Orthodox Pentecost, also known as the Day of the Descent of the Holy Spirit, is celebrated on the 50th day after the Resurrection of Christ, this great holiday personifies the beginning of new era the existence of mankind. Moreover - important date is considered the day of the founding of the Christian church. But the most important thing is that on this day the Holy Spirit descended on the 12 apostles and revealed to them that God is one and three at the same time. This is how things unfolded, according to the Bible.
On the day of the celebration of the Jewish Pentecost, 12 followers of Jesus retired from the mass fun in one of the Zion upper rooms. The disciples of Christ met daily at the request of their mentor. Even during the life of the Savior, they knew about the coming event and were waiting for a new miracle. The Son of God informed them of the coming of the Holy Spirit before he died on the cross. On the 50th day after the Resurrection of the Savior, the participants heard a heartbreaking noise that filled a small house like a hurricane. Then fiery tongues appeared, they touched everyone present and seemed to separate those who were nearby.
The Holy Spirit descended upon the followers of Jesus in the form of God the Father (Divine Mind), God the Son (Divine Word), and God the Spirit (Holy Spirit). This Holy Trinity is the fundamental foundation of Christianity, on which the Orthodox faith. The Holy Trinity is one God who is also trinity. God the Father is devoid of beginning and creation, God the Son is begotten by the Father, and the Holy Spirit comes from God the Father.
People who approached the house, from which incomprehensible sounds were heard, were very surprised that the apostles spoke among themselves in different languages. At first they doubted the sobriety of those who were inside, but the apostle Peter dispelled the doubts of involuntary witnesses of the miracle. He said that the Holy Spirit descended on them, and through them it will touch every Christian. God specially gave the chosen ones the opportunity to speak in previously unknown languages and dialects so that they could go to different countries and tell their inhabitants the Truth about Christ. It is believed that the Holy Spirit descended to the apostles in the form of a purifying and enlightening fire.
The preachers chosen for an important mission scattered around the world. They preached Christianity in different parts of the world, easily communicating with the inhabitants of unfamiliar cities in their native languages. The disciples of Christ reached the countries of the Middle East and Asia Minor, baptized people in India, in the Crimea and in Kyiv. Of the 12 apostles, only one survived - John, the rest were executed by opponents of the new faith.
Features of the celebration of the Holy Trinity Day
Pentecost always falls at that wonderful time of the year when nature generously gives fragrant herbs and fragrant flowers. Green leaves do not yet have time to be covered with road dust and enliven the young twigs of trees. They decorate churches and dwellings, thereby demonstrating the flowering of the human soul and the renewal of people. The aroma of herbs mixes with the smell of incense, creating a festive mood and causing joy. And the faces of the saints, surrounded by fresh greenery, look like they are alive.
In the temples, the Trinity is celebrated with special reverence. This is the most important and one of the most beautiful holidays. On the eve of Pentecost celebrate the universal parent Saturday, commemorating those who could not be buried according to Christian customs, including those who drowned and disappeared without a trace. On the night before the celebration, a night service is held in the churches.
On the Day of the Holy Trinity, Sunday hymns are not performed; instead, special holiday songs are heard. The solemn service takes place according to a special festive rite. The liturgy is followed by vespers, during which the descent of the Holy Spirit is glorified and three special prayers are read. Priests on Trinity always wear symbolic emerald robes. Parishioners come to the temple in high spirits with flowers and birch twigs.
The week after Pentecost does not have a fast on Wednesday and Friday, and immediately after the holiday follows an important and closely related holiday - the Day of the Holy Spirit.
The Russians began to celebrate the Holy Trinity Day only in the 14th century - 300 years after the Baptism of Rus'. The holiday was introduced Reverend Sergius Radonezh.
The Christian holiday Trinity is one of the Orthodox twelfth holidays, which is celebrated on the 50th day after Easter, on Sunday. Churches of the Western tradition celebrate on this day the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles, Pentecost, and the Trinity itself on the following Sunday.
The meaning of the feast of the Trinity
The Bible says that the grace given to the apostles by the Holy Spirit descended on them on this very day. Thanks to this, people were shown the third face of God, they joined the sacrament: the unity of God is manifested in three persons - the Father, the Son and the Spirit. From that day on, the message has been preached throughout the earth. In general, the meaning of the Trinity as a holiday is that God is revealed to people in stages, and not immediately. In modern Christianity, the Trinity means that the Father, who created all life, sent the Son, Jesus Christ, and then the Holy Spirit to people. For believers, the meaning Holy Trinity comes down to praising God in all his forms.
Trinity traditions
The Holy Trinity, whose history of celebration dates back thousands of years, is also widely celebrated today. The people celebrate Trinity for three days. The first day is Klechalny or Green Sunday, when people had to be extremely careful because of the aggressiveness of mermaids, mawks, poterchat and other mythical evil spirits. In the villages, the holiday of the Russian Trinity is celebrated in compliance with traditions and certain rituals. The floor of churches and houses was decorated with grass, icons with birch branches. Green color symbolized the renewing and life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. By the way, in some Orthodox Churches golden and white colors are endowed with the same meaning. Girls on Green Sunday tell fortunes with the help of wicker wreaths. If the wreaths floated on the water converge, then this year the young woman will be betrothed. On this day, deceased relatives were commemorated in cemeteries, leaving treats on the graves. And in the evenings buffoons and mummers entertained the villagers.
In the morning comes Klechalny Monday. After the service in the church, the clergy went to the fields and read prayers, asking the Lord for protection for the future harvest. Children at this time participated in interesting games-amusements.
On the third day, Bogodukh's day, the girls "led Poplar". Her role was played by the most beautiful unmarried girl. She was unrecognizably decorated with wreaths, ribbons, and taken around rural yards so that the owners would generously treat her. The water in the wells on this day was sanctified, getting rid of the unclean spirit.
Christian Western traditionLutheranism and Catholicism share the feasts of Trinity and Pentecost. The cycle opens with Pentecost, a week later the Trinity is celebrated, on the 11th day after Pentecost - the feast of the Blood and Body of Christ, on the 19th day - the Sacred Heart of Christ, on the 20th day - the feast of the Immaculate Heart of St. Mary. In Poland and Belarus, Catholic churches in Russia these days, churches are decorated with birch twigs. Trinity is considered a public holiday in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Iceland, Luxembourg, Latvia, Ukraine, Romania, Switzerland, Norway and France.
Trinity and Modernity
Today, Trinity is especially celebrated in rural areas. Before this day, housewives usually put things in order both in the house and in the courtyard, prepare festive dishes. Flowers and grass collected early in the morning decorate rooms, doors and windows, believing that they are in the house evil spirit won't let.
In the morning, festive services are held in churches, and in the evening you can attend concerts, folk festivals, and participate in fun competitions. Most of the traditions, unfortunately, have been lost, but the holiday still remains one of the most important for believers.
The Christian holiday Trinity is one of the Orthodox twelfth holidays, which is celebrated on the 50th day after Easter, on Sunday. Churches of the Western tradition celebrate on this day the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles, Pentecost, and the Trinity itself on the following Sunday.
The meaning of the feast of the Trinity
The Bible says that the grace given to the apostles by the Holy Spirit descended on them on this very day. Thanks to this, people were shown the third face of God, they joined the sacrament: the unity of God is manifested in three persons - the Father, the Son and the Spirit. From that day on, the message has been preached throughout the earth. In general, the meaning of the Trinity as a holiday is that God is revealed to people in stages, and not immediately. In modern Christianity, the Trinity means that the Father, who created all life, sent the Son, Jesus Christ, and then the Holy Spirit to people. For believers, the meaning of the Holy Trinity is reduced to the praise of God in all his hypostases.
Trinity traditions
The Holy Trinity, whose history of celebration dates back thousands of years, is also widely celebrated today. The people celebrate Trinity for three days. The first day is Klechalny or Green Sunday, when people had to be extremely careful because of the aggressiveness of mermaids, mawks, poterchat and other mythical evil spirits. In the villages, the holiday of the Russian Trinity is celebrated in compliance with traditions and certain rituals. The floor of churches and houses was decorated with grass, icons with birch branches. The green color symbolized the renewing and life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. By the way, in some Orthodox Churches, golden and white colors are endowed with the same meaning. Girls on Green Sunday tell fortunes with the help of wicker wreaths. If the wreaths floated on the water converge, then this year the young woman will be betrothed. On this day, deceased relatives were commemorated in cemeteries, leaving treats on the graves. And in the evenings buffoons and mummers entertained the villagers.
In the morning comes Klechalny Monday. After the service in the church, the clergy went to the fields and read prayers, asking the Lord for protection for the future harvest. Children at this time participated in interesting games-amusements.
On the third day, Bogodukh's day, the girls "led Poplar". Her role was played by the most beautiful unmarried girl. She was unrecognizably decorated with wreaths, ribbons, and taken around rural yards so that the owners would generously treat her. The water in the wells on this day was sanctified, getting rid of the unclean spirit.
Christian Western tradition
Lutheranism and Catholicism share the feasts of Trinity and Pentecost. The cycle opens with Pentecost, a week later the Trinity is celebrated, on the 11th day after Pentecost - the feast of the Blood and Body of Christ, on the 19th day - the Sacred Heart of Christ, on the 20th day - the feast of the Immaculate Heart of St. Mary. In Poland and Belarus, Catholic churches in Russia these days, churches are decorated with birch twigs. Trinity is considered a public holiday in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Iceland, Luxembourg, Latvia, Ukraine, Romania, Switzerland, Norway and France.
Trinity and Modernity Today, Trinity is especially celebrated in rural areas. Before this day, housewives usually put things in order both in the house and in the courtyard, prepare festive dishes. Flowers and grass collected early in the morning decorate rooms, doors and windows, believing that they will not let evil spirits into the house.
In the morning, festive services are held in churches, and in the evening you can attend concerts, folk festivals, and participate in fun competitions. Most of the traditions, unfortunately, have been lost, but the holiday still remains one of the most important for believers.
Holy Trinity Day - the history of the holiday
Orthodoxy celebrates many holidays. Believers, of course, know about such a holiday as the Day of the Holy Trinity, it has a long history and certain customs.
The Church celebrates this holiday on the Day of Pentecost, the fiftieth day after Easter. Any Orthodox person knows exactly when to celebrate this holiday and what is the history of the Holy Trinity Day. The history of the Trinity holiday dates back to the time of Jesus Christ. Then, on the fiftieth day after the Resurrection of Christ, the apostles of the Holy Spirit descended to earth. The apostles understood the role of the third Person of the Trinity and why God is triune.
History of the Holy Trinity
After the Ascension, the apostles were constantly present in the Zion Room and prayed. Suddenly they heard a noise in the sky, and fiery tongues appeared in front of them, which fell on their heads. Thus the Holy Spirit entered the bodies of the apostles. The Holy Spirit gave the apostles the knowledge of hitherto unknown languages so that they could spread Christian faith around the world. The Orthodox feast of the Trinity was proclaimed by the apostles, according to history. After the incident described, every Pentecost, Christians began to celebrate this holiday, it is considered one of the most important in Orthodox world.
Later, Basil the Great compiled certain prayers that needed to be read on this day. This tradition continues to this day. The day of the Holy Trinity throughout the Orthodox world is considered the birth of the Christian church, which was created by God.
In Orthodoxy, the Day of the Holy Trinity and the Day of Pentecost are joined together, which cannot be said about catholic church. Catholics celebrate Holy Trinity Day on the Sunday after Pentecost.
Icons telling about the descent of the Holy Spirit began to be painted in the 6th century. On them you can usually see the Zion Upper Room and the apostles with books. At the same time, between the apostles Peter and Paul is empty place symbolizing the Holy Spirit. Above the heads of the apostles are flames.
The history of the Trinity holiday is very ancient, it originates from the Ascension of Jesus Christ. Orthodox people know this and therefore celebrate the holiday especially widely - be sure to attend services on the day of Pentecost.
History also tells us about some of the traditions and customs that are observed during the feast of the Trinity to this day. The floors of temples and houses should be covered with freshly cut grass, and the icons should be decorated with birch branches, symbolizing the power of the Holy Spirit. On Saturday before Trinity Day, Orthodox go to the cemetery to honor the memory of deceased relatives, this day is called "parental". Birch branches are used to decorate houses and temples; this tradition has developed historically. 
Moreover, it is believed that Holy Trinity Day without birch decorations is the same as Christmas without a Christmas tree. Before the Trinity, they must carry out general cleaning, bake pies, make wreaths (again, from birch and flowers). Since ancient times, this holiday has been especially loved by girls, because they could dress beautifully and go to the bride. Trinity matchmaking is considered a good omen, and the wedding is already played in the fall.
Some of the customs of the feast of the Holy Trinity have migrated from history to our time - churches are decorated with birch branches, girls weave wreaths, Orthodox Christians must go to the cemetery on parental Saturday. This holiday is very joyful and cheerful - in the morning you must visit the temple, and after that they dance and sing songs. One of the traditional dishes for the Trinity is loaf, often invite guests and celebrate this holiday together. Folk festivals on the Trinity do not lose their popularity.
What does the feast of the Holy Trinity mean? When is it celebrated? History of the holiday?
And what's with the trinity? The Bible does not contain the doctrine of the trinity at all. It appeared more than 320 years after the end of the writing of the Bible. Jesus recalled the 1st commandment - ABOUT ONE true God, and not about the trinity introduced by pagan religions into Christianity. - 3 years agoAaleksey
The Trinity is usually celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter and on the tenth day after the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ. This day can be found in the Bible. On this day, about two thousand years ago (according to historians in May 30 AD), the apostles were sitting in a room in one of the Jerusalem houses on Mount Zion. And suddenly there was a noise from heaven and filled the whole house, and all the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in foreign languages that were not previously known. There were many pilgrims in Jerusalem at that time. different countries when they heard the noise, they hurried to the house of the apostles. They were surprised when they heard the apostles speak different languages. For each of them, the sermon of the apostles sounded in his native language. The time has come not only for God the Father (who was at the time Old Testament), not only God the Father and the Son (the times of the New Testament), but the time of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Esther
The feast of the Holy Trinity means that we have the Triune God Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And also on this day, Christians around the world celebrate the birth of the church, not the church building, but the people. The church is the believers. And where two or three are gathered in the name of God, there is God among them. In 2016, the feast of the Holy Trinity is on June 19, and in 2017, on June 4. Happy Holidays!
In Orthodoxy The feast of the Trinity falls on the 50th day after the Resurrection of Christ when, according to the Gospel, the Third Person of the Trinity - The Holy Spirit - descended on the Apostles in the form of flames, after which they were able to preach in different languages the Word of God different nations not only to the Jews. That's why another name for the holiday is Pentecost.
In Catholicism and Lutheranism, the holidays of the Trinity and Pentecost do not coincide: Pentecost, the Descent of the Holy Spirit is also celebrated on Sunday on the 50th day after Easter; Trinity is celebrated a week later, next Sunday.
In Protestantism, it is Pentecost, the descent of the Holy Spirit on the 50th day after the Resurrection of Christ, that is a great celebration. For example, the Evangelical Pentecostal denomination celebrates this day no less violently than Easter, and usually on this day baptizes neophytes in the reservoirs with the Holy Spirit.
mychange
The history of the origin of the feast of the Trinity is set forth in the Acts of the Apostles. On the 50th day after Easter, the apostles were waiting for the fulfillment of the promise given by Christ, which was fulfilled - the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, they were given grace-filled help to preach Christianity throughout the world. Thus the Christian church was born.
It is very symbolic that the first New Testament Pentecost was on the day of the Old Testament Pentecost, that is, on the day when God gave the commandments of God to people, the apostles and all Christians received help to fulfill the commandments, and the apostles received grace to celebrate the sacrament of the Eucharist and other sacraments.
This holiday is always celebrated on the 50th day after Easter, on Sunday.
Kritikspb
The Orthodox feast of the Trinity was proclaimed by the apostles, on the fiftieth day after the Ascension, when the Holy Spirit entered their bodies and bestowed knowledge of many languages so that they could preach Christianity in them and carry it into the hearts and souls of people around the world.
kitsune tenko
Feast of the Holy Trinity, or Pentecost, is one of the main Christian holidays, which is celebrated on the 50th day after Easter.
The Orthodox Church refers it to the so-called Twelve Feasts, the meaning of which is the glorification of the Most Holy Trinity.
Second name - Pentecost- I received this day because the Holy Spirit descended to the Apostles on the 50th day of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ in the form of fiery tongues. By this sign, the Holy Spirit made it clear that the apostles had the power and ability to preach the teachings of Christ to other peoples. On that day, many people believed in Jesus Christ and were baptized.
On this holiday, it is customary for Orthodox Christians to decorate their homes with fresh green birch branches and fragrant flowers.
Ivan Markin
The descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles on the day of Pentecost is described in the Acts of the Holy Apostles (Acts 2:1-18). On the fiftieth day after the Resurrection of Christ (the tenth day after the Ascension), the apostles were in the Zion upper room in Jerusalem, “... suddenly there was a noise from heaven, as if from a rushing strong wind and filled the whole house where they were. And divided tongues appeared to them, as if of fire, and rested one on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:2-4).
On this day, Jews from different cities and countries were in the city on the occasion of the holiday. Hearing the noise, they gathered in front of the house where the apostles were, and when they heard that inside they were speaking in various dialects, they were amazed. Some of them sneered at the apostles and "said, They have drunk of sweet wine" (Acts 2:13). In response to this response:
The holiday got its first name in honor of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles, which Jesus Christ promised them before His ascension to heaven. The descent of the Holy Spirit pointed to the trinity of God - "God the Father creates the world, God the Son redeems people from slavery to the devil, God the Holy Spirit sanctifies the world through the dispensation of the Church" [source not specified 311 days]. On the day of Pentecost, the universal apostolic church(Acts 2:41-47).
The corresponding text in Catholicism is the Veni Sancte Spiritus prayer. Veni per Mariam.
The New Testament does not directly mention that the Mother of God was with the apostles during the descent of the Holy Spirit. The tradition of her presence on the icon-painting images of this event is based on the indication in the Acts of the Apostles that after the Ascension, the disciples of Jesus "with one accord remained in prayer and supplication, with some wives and Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and with His brothers" (Acts 1:14). On this occasion, Bishop Innokenty (Borisov) writes: “Could the woman who conceived and gave birth through Him not be present at the moment of the coming of the Holy Spirit?”
As a theological term, “charisma” is 9 special gifts of the Holy Spirit, poured out by him on the apostles in the Jerusalem temple on the feast of Pentecost. These gifts are: wisdom, knowledge and the ability to discern spirits; faith, miracles and healing; prophecy, glossolalia, and the interpretation of tongues.
What is the Trinity holiday?
What are they doing? How do they celebrate?
Orina
The Trinity is otherwise called Pentecost, because it takes place on the fiftieth day after Easter. This holiday takes place in honor of the Triune God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). It is believed that on this day the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles. On Trinity Sunday, the Apostle Peter baptized and converted 3,000 people to Christianity. This day is the birthday of the Christian Church, but not only Orthodox, but also Catholic.
These days there is a whole summer cycle of holidays. If after the New Year we celebrate winter Christmas time, then in the summer " green Christmas time". In the old days, “green Christmas time” was also dressed up as animals, mermaids, and other evil spirits.
Trinity churches have always been decorated with wild and meadow flowers, birch twigs and other plants. The floor was sprinkled with fresh cut green grass. This herb was believed to have healing properties. Those who kept cattle took this grass home. It was believed that animals fed with church grass would not get sick, and cows would give a lot of high-quality milk.
Everyone went to the church for the Trinity with branches of birches and bunches of flowers. The plants that had been in the church were dried and kept behind the icons.
After the church, the girls put wreaths on their heads and went to a birch tree decorated with ribbons and flowers. The birch was cut down. A procession with a felled tree went around the whole village. Then they stuck the birch into the ground and danced around it. In the evening, they took off all the decorations from the tree and went to the river to drown it.
On the same day, the girls threw their wreaths into the water and thought of something, as a rule, about the grooms. If the wreath sank, then the girl will not marry this year. If the wreath stuck to the shore, then expect happiness.
Many years ago, there was a custom to bury the dead on Trinity, who for some reason were not buried during the year. The reason could be an epidemic or a hungry year. Then all the bodies fell into a common pit. In the week before Trinity and on Trinity itself, the dead were placed in coffins and buried as expected.
dolphinica
Trinity holiday with a rolling date, annually the date of the celebration of the Trinity is celebrated in different days depends on the date of Easter. One thing is invariable, the Trinity is celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter. Knowing the date of the celebration of Easter, we can calculate the day of the celebration of the Trinity.
The holiday is celebrated in honor of the Holy Trinity
The first God the Father, the creator of everything living and inanimate, visible and invisible in our world. After the creation of peace on earth, God the Father sent the Son to earth as a messenger of the bright path. Then the Holy Spirit descended to earth, he is next to every person.
The second God is the Son, he is born from God the Father.
The third God is the Holy Spirit, he comes from God the Father.
For unbelievers, the Trinity matters as a symbol of the onset of something new, joyful and bright.
Believers on this day go to church, observe traditions.
The feast of the Trinity is celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter, but this figure appeared for a reason. For 40 whole days after the Resurrection, Jesus was still on earth with his disciples, and only on the fortieth day did he ascend. But at the same time, he told the disciples that in ten days the Holy Spirit would descend on them, and they would receive knowledge and strength to bring Christianity to the people. And so it happened, exactly 10 days after the Ascension, the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles and they set off to preach the teachings of Christ. This event is celebrated on this day. In fact, this is the beginning of the Christian church, its birth. Therefore, it is one of the greatest holidays in Christianity.
This is the feast of the fiftieth day after Easter ... the day of the indulgence of the holy spirit on the apostles, which gave them numerous abilities, is celebrated. And it is celebrated from year to year simply - this holiday always happens on Sunday, so on the eve, on Saturday, they visit cemeteries, remembering deceased relatives, then they attend evening service in the church, and on Sunday - morning. The church and the house are decorated with herbs, birch branches, and a festive stod is prepared.
It's all been said
Also in ancient Rus' celebrated the feast of the Trinity, it was called "green Christmas time", "mermaid week". At that time, he was dedicated to the awakening of mother earth, the beginning of the violent growth of plants, he was dedicated to Slavic goddess Lada.
After the arrival of Christianity in Rus', two holidays were mixed into one, but in many villages the Trinity is still called "green week" or "suffocating commemoration" (source "Narodnaya Rus", 1901, Apollo of Corinth).
For Orthodox Christians, the feast of the Trinity is celebrated seven weeks after Easter, on the fiftieth day, therefore it is also called "Pentecost". This holiday is dedicated to the Descent of the Holy Spirit:
The Church celebrates two days: the first day on Sunday, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and Monday is dedicated to the Holy Spirit, otherwise the people call it Spirits Day.
As in antiquity, so in our days there is a tradition to decorate everything around with birch branches on this day.
The feast of the Trinity is also called Pentecost in another way, all because it is celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter. This holiday is movable, it does not have a fixed date. People call this holiday "emerald" or "green". Because it symbolizes the renewal of life. It’s nice to decorate your houses with birch, maple or lilac branches for this holiday. Also on the Trinity, it is customary to let wreaths consisting of flowers over the water.
Lelishna
The feast of the Holy Trinity is celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter. Otherwise, the holiday is called Pentecost. The Trinity is understood as the unity of God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. The Trinity has been widespread in Rus' since the fourteenth century thanks to the efforts of St. Sergius of Radonezh. On this day, it is customary to clean houses, decorate the house with green branches, as a symbol of spring and life.
Holy Trinity Day is one of the main Orthodox holidays. It is transitional, associated with the date of the celebration of Easter, as it is always held seven weeks after it on Sunday. On this day, people walk, go to worship and festivals. The service that takes place on this day Orthodox churches, is considered the most beautiful of all held during the year.
The Feast of the Holy Trinity is one of the most important Christian holidays. Orthodox believers celebrate it on Sunday, the 50th day after Easter. This holiday got its name in honor of the great event - the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles, as Jesus Christ promised them before his ascension to heaven. This descent pointed to the trinity of God.
The Orthodox feast of the Trinity is celebrated 50 days after the church feast of Easter. It is celebrated on Sunday. Also, accordingly, the holiday is called Pentecost. It is believed that on this day the descent of the Holy Spirit took place. On this day, hard work is not recommended, it is better to visit church, devote time to family and spiritual development.
The feast of the Holy Trinity is one of the most interesting and, perhaps, the most unusual church celebrations. He, like Easter, is also always celebrated on Sunday - namely, 50 days after this day (the Most Holy Trinity is also called Pentecost).
At the same time, for the most part, we know much more about the Bright Resurrection or about Christmas than about the day of the Most Holy Trinity. That is why it will be interesting to understand what kind of holiday it is, why it has several names, and what is the sacred meaning of this date. And most importantly - how to properly celebrate the Great Trinity?
Trinity holiday in Orthodoxy: meaning and names
First of all, let's deal with the names. There are simple cases where everything is clear: Christmas is Christmas and Easter is Easter (or bright resurrection Christ). But with the Trinity, the situation is a little different - the holiday has several names at once:
- Trinity Day (Holy or Most Holy Trinity Day, Trinity Day) - i.e. holiday in honor of the triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- Pentecost - this word has exactly the same meaning. It simply reminds us that the descent of the Spirit took place on the 50th day after Easter. Therefore, the celebration always also falls on Sunday: May 27, 2018, June 16, 2019, etc.
- Spirits day, or the day of the Holy Spirit - this name emphasizes the key event in honor of which the holiday is celebrated.
All these names of the Trinity holiday can be found in various sources - for example, on Wikipedia, Orthodox magazines and others. By the way, Spirit Day falls on Monday, and Pentecost itself falls on Sunday.
But what do the three days of the Trinity mean? They symbolize the same holiday, it is simply celebrated for three days.
Holy Trinity: what kind of holiday
So, what is the meaning of this interesting holiday? Why is it considered one of the great Christian celebrations along with Easter, Christmas, Epiphany and other significant dates? Answers to these questions can be obtained if you learn something about those events two thousand years ago, which laid a good tradition to celebrate this date.
The history of the Trinity holiday goes back to the times last days life of Jesus on earth. Shortly before his death, he promised that exactly 50 days after that, God would send the Comforter, who would invisibly help all his followers.
And indeed, after 40 days, the Savior ascended to heaven, and a decade later, the disciples of Christ gathered together in one of the houses of Jerusalem. And at that moment, a very strong noise was heard in the sky, as if a hurricane wind swept over the city.
It turned out that these were not air currents, but a miraculous event: at the same moment, flames lit up over the heads of the apostle disciples. People began to speak all the languages and dialects that were used in those days. local peoples. Then the holy apostles-followers of Christ began to teach people, preaching to them salvation and God's love.
However, what does the holiday of the Trinity mean for us - people living in modern times, 2000 years later? It turns out that the relevance of those events has been preserved in its original form, because the descent of the Holy Spirit is directly related to all the inhabitants of the planet.
His coming to earth means the onset of a grace-filled time when we have a direct connection with heavenly powers. Every person today can just pray, ask for forgiveness and receive it.
And in old days for this, complex rituals were performed, sacrifices were made, bonfires were kindled. In a word, forgiveness was purchased at a very high price. Now the connection with the Almighty has been established so that any of us can turn to him.
It turns out that the Holy Spirit is a kind of communication channel between man and God. Moreover, he is God himself, his third person. That's why Orthodox holiday The Trinity symbolizes the Triune Lord, who has revealed himself in all his fullness.
WHY IS THE HOLY SPIRIT THE COMFORTER?
Let's rewind the events 20 centuries ago and present such a picture. The Lord died but rose again. There is no limit to the joy of believers - after all, even today, the echoes of this event resound with a joyful wave in the hearts of billions of believers when they say: “Christ is risen! He has truly risen!" What happened after?
The Savior went to heaven, as expected, on the 40th day. Probably, many people had such a feeling in their hearts that they seemed to be orphaned or lost their right wing. But now - only 10 days have passed, and the Holy Spirit descended on the earth.
It turns out that since then and until today, God himself is invisibly next to us, and at any moment we can ask for his help. It was for this purpose that the Comforter was sent to our planet.
How Orthodox Christians Celebrate the Holy Trinity
Among church holidays Holy Trinity Day is perhaps the most beautiful event of the year. Priests dress in green clothes, temples and icons of the Holy Trinity are decorated with birch branches, wildflowers, and leaves. The floor in the temples is covered with fresh grass.
The green tone serves as a symbol of life-giving faith, the rebirth of nature after a long winter, but most importantly, the liberation of the human soul from sin.
That is why on this day it is customary to consecrate birch branches (after all, a birch is a real symbol of Russia) and bring them into the house. It is believed that this kind of bouquet will bring good luck for the whole year, if you save it until the next Trinity.
Green branches of other plants - oak, linden, maple and mountain ash are also used to decorate the home on the Trinity. They are designed to protect the house from evil spirits. Cornflowers, lovage, thyme, fern, mint, lemon balm, burdock are taken from meadow herbs, wreaths are woven from them and hung on the door, bouquets are made that are placed on the table or near the icons.
On the eve of Holy Trinity Saturday, an all-night vigil is served. On the day of the feast of the Holy Trinity, the Gospel of John is read, and a festive liturgy is performed.
The third day of Trinity is called the day of the Holy Spirit. On this day, it is customary to bless water in churches. People take the grass and branches that decorated the temples and bring them home. They dry them and store them all year round - they protect the house from diseases and troubles. Healers recommend collecting herbs on this day - it is believed that nature endows them with special miraculous properties.
Priests do not recommend these holidays do hard physical work, visit a cemetery, plan some global affairs (for example, cleaning the house, working in the country, large purchases, etc.). It's best to find time for holiday services- go to the temple for a service, attend the liturgy in honor of the Holy Trinity, feel the spirit of the bright, tune in to the festive wave.
And the rest of the day you can spend with your loved ones, help your family, visit old friends. There is no fasting on the feast of Holy Pentecost, so the festive table is supposed to be rich and plentiful, with a variety of meat dishes, pies, and fresh herbs.
Also, after the festive dinner, traditional folk festivities are arranged - people tend to nature, where they perform ritual dances, sing songs, kindle bonfires. And you can also make your most cherished wish on such a holiday - if you tune in to the fulfillment of a dream, it will certainly come true.
So, what is this - the holiday of the Great Trinity? This is the day of the descent of the Holy Spirit, when God manifested himself in all three persons and revealed himself as the triune Supreme.
And it is also the day of the rebirth of the human soul, when it can receive the priceless gift of salvation, simply by repenting of its sins and entrusting all experiences to the Lord. Such is it - the bright Holy Trinity.
If we know a lot about Easter, then what does the feast of the Holy Trinity mean? At first glance, everything is clear enough: believers celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Christ.
However, what does the day of the Holy Trinity mean for us, people of the 21st century, what is its tradition and history? A detailed answer to this question, a commentary by a clergyman - all this can be found in the article.
Trinity in Orthodoxy: one holiday - three names
First of all, let's deal with the names. There are simple cases when everything is clear: Christmas is Christmas, and Easter is Easter (or the Bright Resurrection of Christ). But with the Trinity, the situation is a little different - the holiday has several names at once:
- Trinity Day (Holy or Most Holy Trinity Day, Trinity Day) - i.e. holiday in honor of the triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- Pentecost - this word has exactly the same meaning in the world. It simply reminds us that the descent of the Spirit took place on the 50th day after Easter. Therefore, the celebration always also falls on Sunday: June 16, 2019, June 7, 2020, etc.
- Spirits day, or the day of the Holy Spirit - this name emphasizes the key event in honor of which the holiday is celebrated.
By the way, Spirit Day falls on Monday, and Pentecost itself falls on Sunday. But what does the three days of the Trinity mean? They symbolize the same holiday, it is simply celebrated for three days.
What does the feast of the Holy Trinity mean for Christians
The sacred meaning of the holiday is closely connected with its prehistory. The descent of the Holy Spirit was promised by Christ, who called him the Comforter. Why is it necessary to comfort people?
Everything is very simple. The Savior died, but rose again on the 3rd day, and in honor of this we celebrate Easter. However, after 40 days he ascended to heaven - he went back to his Father, since the earthly mission had already been completed.
And what about the believers, followers of Christ, his disciples, who later became apostles of the gospel faith? They seemed to be orphans, because the Lord, although he had risen, nevertheless left them.
Quite a bit of time passed, only 10 days (not years, not decades and not centuries!), and the promise was fulfilled - the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples in the form of tongues of unquenchable flame.
But what does the feast of the Holy Trinity mean for us? Interestingly, even after 20 centuries, the relevance of those events has not been lost: rather, on the contrary.
With the coming of the Spirit comes special period the history of mankind is a fertile time. Now every person, even the most sinful soul, can come to the Lord and ask for his forgiveness sincere prayer and receive what you ask.
The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, and besides, he is the third person of the Trinity. So it turns out that it was with his coming to earth that the triune God revealed himself in all his fullness.
The Father created heaven and earth, the Son saved sinful humanity at the cost of his own life, and the Spirit remains with us today to maintain our spiritual strength.
What does the Trinity mean for the Orthodox: a commentary by a clergyman
Representatives of the church give approximately the same answers to the question of what the Trinity holiday means in Christianity. Traditionally, the clergy tell about a story that happened almost 2000 years ago (how the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples of Christ).
The priests also emphasize that the Spirit is an invisible force that is always near the believer. Thanks to him, we can not only receive what we ask for in prayer. We are able to do good deeds - to help people, teach them and inspire them, especially in those situations where they have already given up and lost all hope.
The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, Teacher, he personifies the power of God. Moreover: the Spirit is God himself, his third person. Therefore, there will be no mistake in saying that the Lord is always with us, because the Holy Spirit is still on earth.
And the question of what the feast of the Trinity symbolizes can be answered in the following way: it denotes our unity with God. And this is expressed in the fact that we can always turn to him for forgiveness and help, and we will certainly be heard.
That is why the Trinity is no less bright and important holiday than Easter or, for example, Christmas. And it should be celebrated in any home not only with reverence, but also with great joy - that sunny feeling that especially often comes to us in spring and summer.
