Ascension this year is on Thursday May 14th 2026. [And we invite you all to worship with us that night!] But what is Ascension day?
The fullest account of the Ascension appears in the Acts of the Apostles. Here we read how Christ gathers His disciples round Him. Jesus charges them with proclaiming the Gospel, promises that He will send the Holy Spirit, and then ascends to sit at the right hand of His Father. Then Two angels appear, asking: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven."
How has Ascension been celebrated in Church history? As soon as Christianity had become a lawful religion within the empire, Helena, the mother of Constantine, made concerted efforts to pinpoint those places in the Holy Land that were associated with our Lord's ministry. One of these was the Mount of Olives. Helena had Constantine built a church there at the supposed site of the Ascension, though the building was several times destroyed by Arabs and Syrians. This basilica was thought to enshrine the very stone on which Christ last stood, and the pious believe His footprints are still visible.
In France and Germany Ascension was a popular day for a pilgrimage to a shrine or holy hill. Here the townsfolk acted out the events of the day. In some churches a statue of Christ was symbolically pulled up through a hole in the roof.
During Easter the Paschal candle is lit; representing the Risen Christ as the Light of the Lord. The Paschal candle as a symbol of Christ's presence with His people, was solemnly extinguished. Now Christ would be present no longer in a visible manner but would instead send the Holy Spirit. Ascension seems to have been a especially important holiday among the Crusaders. The Knights Templars honored it with special reverence, and many a crusader emblazoned the symbols of the Ascension on his armor and pennons.
One common symbol of the Ascension is the lion and the dragon. The lion represents Christ, ascended in triumph to His Father. The dragon represents the devil, allowed once more to battle for the souls of men.
[This was partially taken from the “Year of the Lord: The Church Year: Its Customs, Growth, & Ceremonies by THEODORE J. KLEINHANS page 83-84].
On May 14th, 2026, which is the day of Ascension, we invite you to join us for worship at St Paul Flatrock in Ohio. The address for the church is 12-868 County Road K Napoleon OH, 43545].
