The Orthodox Christians in Moldova on June 6 observe the Feast of Ascension, which commemorates the Christian belief of the bodily Ascension of Jesus into heaven. It is one of the ecumenical feasts of Christian churches that is traditionally celebrated on a Thursday, the fortieth day of Easter. On this day the faithful greet each other with “Jesus has ascended!” and the answer is “He has ascended indeed!”.
Contacted by IPN for a comment, priest Eugen Onikov, of the Chisinau Church “Saint Pantelimon”, said the Feast of Ascension marks the end of the celebration of the Resurrection. On this day the Christians bake Easter bread and cakes and paint eggs red and go to church like on Easter. “These products are not blessed, but it is a nice tradition that is observed,” stated the priest, noting the parishioners who want can take communion today.
Eugen Onikov said on this day the church marks the moment when the Savior gathered together his disciples on the Mount of Galilee and ascended to Heaven before the eyes of everyone, promising the Holy Spirit will come to Earth in ten days. This event will be marked on Great Sunday or the Pentecost.
The tradition of greeting each other with “Jesus has ascended!” and of answering “He has ascended indeed!” differs from region to region. In some places, the Christians greet each other this way during a day, while in others during three or even ten days.
