The Orthodox calendar defines twelve major Christian holidays, called twelve. Some of them are fixed for a certain date, others, depending on the year, change the date. The Day of the Holy Trinity for Orthodox Christians is a passing celebration.
The Day of the Holy Trinity is one of the most revered holidays for Orthodox Christians not only in Russia, but throughout the world. On this day, believers offer their prayers with special reverence and zeal. On the day of Pentecost, as the Day of the Holy Trinity is otherwise called, the Church focuses on the fact that God is one, but threefold in Persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In many sources one can find another name for the holiday - the birthday of the Church of Christ. This name is not accidental, because it was on the fiftieth day after Christ's Resurrection that the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles in the form of flaming tongues of flame, thereby, according to Holy Scripture, instructing the Savior's disciples into all truth. From that time on, the apostles went to the public preaching of the Gospel, and the Christian faith began to spread first in the Roman Empire, and later beyond its borders.
Date of the Day of the Holy Trinity in 2019
The dating of the Day of the Holy Trinity directly depends on the time of the celebration of Easter. In order to calculate when the birthday of the Church comes, it is necessary to count fifty days from the date of the bright Resurrection of Jesus Christ. In 2019, Easter fell on April 28. Therefore, the Day of the Holy Trinity in 2019 falls on June 16. This holiday is always celebrated on Sunday. A special solemn service is held in all Orthodox churches.
Features of divine services on the Day of the Holy Trinity
For an Orthodox believer, it is very important to visit the church on the Day of the Holy Trinity, to take part in common prayer during the service. The liturgical charter of the Church prescribes a special festive service. In the morning, the divine liturgy is performed in the churches, after which, after preliminary preparation, the pilgrims can begin the sacrament of communion. At the end of the liturgy, a short three-psalm service is served, called the ninth hour. Sometimes the ninth hour is omitted and Vespers is celebrated immediately on the Day of the Holy Trinity.
Vespers on Holy Trinity Day is unique in its composition. In addition to the usual unchanging order of service and chanting, Vespers on the day of Trinity includes the recitation of several long prayers by the priest. In prayers, divine grace is requested to strengthen the strength of the soul and body. It is noteworthy that from Easter to Trinity, the charter prohibits bowing to the ground. For the first time since Easter Sunday, believers kneel down at the divine service precisely during the recitation of special prayers at Vespers of Pentecost.
Every Christian tries to spend the Day of the Holy Trinity in spiritual joy, which it is desirable to share with his neighbors. It is necessary, if possible, to take part in the divine service, leaving all worldly cares and concerns. It will be useful to keep peace in your soul, to use the time for good deeds, without being distracted by the daily hustle and bustle.
