Of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council
Arius began to deny the divinity of the Son of God and His consubstantiality with God the Father. The whole Church rose up against him; all believers, in all corners of the world, with one voice confessed that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Only-Begotten Son of God, God from God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father. One might have thought that this was some accidental inspiration to unanimity; but this faith then underwent a fiery trial when authority and nobility sided with the Arians. Neither fire, nor sword, nor persecution could eradicate it, and it immediately manifested itself everywhere by everyone as soon as the pressure of external force ceased. This means that it constitutes the heart of the Church and the essence of its confession. Glory to the Lord, who preserves this faith in us! For as long as it exists, we are still Christians, though we live poorly; if it ceases to exist, Christianity will end.
St. Theophan the Recluse
Dear brothers and sisters!
On Thursday of the 6th week after Pascha, the Holy Church solemnly celebrates one of the twelve great feasts – the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ to Heaven.
This year the feast of the Ascension falls on May 29.
Forty days after His glorious Resurrection, Christ, gathering His disciples on the Mount of Olives, blessed them and, raising His hands, ascended to heaven, taking with Him His transfigured human nature. This moment marked the completion of His earthly ministry and opened a new stage in the economy of salvation – the time of the Holy Spirit, Who was soon to descend upon the apostles on the day of Pentecost.
The Ascension of Christ is a testament to our heavenly calling: the Lord did not abandon man, but ascended him into the glory of the Divine Kingdom, seating him at the right hand of the Father. This is a feast of hope, victory, and the glorification of human nature, united forever with God in Christ.
Christ our God, who has fulfilled the economy of our salvation and ascended in glory, gladden us with the promise of the Holy Spirit!
Reminder: tomorrow the festive Divine Liturgy begins at 9:00 AM.
We invite everyone to prayerful participation in this bright celebration!
Reminder, the full schedule of services can be found on our website https://resurrectionrocathedral.org/schedule and in the newsletter from the Head Warden.
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