ORTHODOX CELEBRATION OF THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST

What an amazing experience.... the orthodox feast of the Ascension of Christ! I did not know what would await me, when I entered the grounds of the place where Christs Ascension to Heaven is commemorated. The property that nowadays is in the hands of muslims - the church is now a mosque - was turned into a place for joyfully celebrating christians. Greeks had their tent next to Syrians, the Syrians had their little tent next to the Copts and the Copts had their tent next to the tent of the Armenians.... All were celebrating paralell. For hours. Every Denomination was praying and singing in their own style giving its best...

The atmosphere reminded me of the atmosphere at the Holy Sepulchre (the place where Jesus was crucified and where his tomb is)in the Easter night where also all 4 denominations were celebrating and singing paralell... I felt what sometimes in the Holy Land seems like "fighting who is stronger, who can pray louder, who can overwhelm the other denominatins" there as at the Ascension Feast was a perfect symphony... hearts were outpouring their joy... Infact, I felt a steady increase of joy and energy... Looking at the colorful celebrations, listening to the wonderful different songs and prayers in different languages... And amazed I thought... How beautiful is God... how great is He... How unique... In how many countless aspects He shows us his different faces daily.

Even though the celebrations were absolutely colorful, I chose to share some of the countless impressions with you in Sepia - "brown and white"... To just get as close as possible to the core of everyone... without any distractions...


Greek orthodox...

 


Armenian orthodox...

 


Coptic orthodox...

 


Syrian orthodox...