The Eastern Church Celebrates Pentecost on June 23

Pentecost is celebrated 50 days after Easter, which the Eastern Church celebrates this year on June 23. For Byzantine-Rite Christians, the first day of the feast is known as “Trinity Sunday”; the second day is “Monday of the Holy Spirit”; and the third day is called “Third Day of the Trinity.”

The main significance of Pentecost for the Eastern Church is the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus on the fiftieth day after the Resurrection. Therefore, this feast is called Pentecost.

In Byzantine tradition, the liturgical color used at Pentecost is green, and the clergy and faithful carry flowers and green branches in their hands during the services.