The Orthodox Christians on May 25 this year observe the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ, also known as Ascension Thursday, Holy Thursday, or Ascension Day, which commemorates the Christian belief of the bodily Ascension of Jesus into heaven. Ascension is one of the Twelve Great Feasts of the Orthodox liturgical year and is celebrated on a Thursday, the fortieth day of Easter.

Bishop of the Church “Saint Pious Parascheva” of Ialoveni Oleg Ursu has told IPN that namely Jesus Christ predicted that he will rise up to where he came from and, on the fortieth day of Easter, took his apostles with him, went up the hill and ascended into his glory.

The priest said the feast is always observed with an All-night vigil. The Holy Liturgy is held in the morning. The Christians greet each other with “Christ has ascended!” and the answer is “He has ascended indeed!”.

Oleg Ursu noted that every day, but especially on feast days, the Christians should pray and praise God. The parishioners are urged to observe the feast, but not to transform it into a drinking bout. They should realize its true meaning.

The tradition of greeting each other with “Christ has ascended!” differs from region to region. In some parts, the Christians greet each other this way during a day, while in others during three or even ten days. As on Easter, they put red painted eggs and paschal cakes on the table.