Orthodox Ascension Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about The Catholic Church

Orthodox Ascension Day is observed annually on the first Thursday of June, which falls on June 1 this year. It commemorates Jesus Christ’s ascension and is observed by all members of the Orthodox Church. The Orthodox Church emphasises the significance of worshipping Christ in the correct (orthodox) manner, which has been handed down since the early days of Christianity, when Jesus walked the Earth preaching the gospel. Consequently, Orthodox Ascension Day, also known as the Feast of Ascension, is one of the most significant festivals for members of this church. Christians observe a special period of reflection and gratitude to commemorate the ultimate sacrifice of the Messiah.

The background of Orthodox Ascension Day

The Eastern Roman Church is the source of the customs and traditions of the Orthodox Church. It is comparable to other Christian churches in many ways. Certain aspects of its theology, as well as its worship and manner of life, are distinctive. They believe that the Holy Spirit is present in all Church members, guiding them through pastors, bishops, and the entire Church body. What caused the “Great Schism” between the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church was the papal claim to supreme authority and the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.

The Eastern (Orthodox) and Western (Roman Catholic) churches gradually separated as eastern and western Rome gradually fragmented. In 1204, during the Fourth Crusade of the Western Church, the destruction of Constantinople accelerated the Orthodox and Roman Catholic factions’ separation. In 1453, more than a century after the Crusaders’ destruction of the city, the Muslim Ottomans seized the capital.

Ascension Day is one of the Twelve Great Feasts celebrated by the Church. ‘Mark’ (16:19) and ‘Luke’ (24:50–53) mention it. In Acts 1:13–11, it is also mentioned. On this date, forty days after His resurrection, Christ made His final apparition on Earth. He appeared to His apostles and commanded them to remain in Jerusalem. Jesus commanded his disciples to baptise all nations in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then, Christ ascended to Heaven.

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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

The term ‘Orthodox’ is derived from the Greek words ‘orthos,’ which means’straight,’ and ‘doxa,’ which means ‘teaching’ or ‘worship.’

There are an estimated 200 to 300 million Orthodox Christians in the globe, including 5.6 million Americans and over 70 million Russians.

In the Orthodox Church, males who are married can become deacons and then priests. However, once ordained, Orthodox clerics cannot marry.

In contrast to the Catholic Church, which recognises the Pope as its paramount spiritual leader, the Orthodox Church recognises the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople as its supreme spiritual leader.

The Orthodox Church was founded more than two thousand years ago, making it one of the world’s earliest surviving religious institutions.