Feast of the Ascension: Vigil Wednesday Evening, Liturgy Thursday at 9:00 AM

May 20, 2026 · Liturgical Life · Fr. Solomon Longo

This Thursday, May 21st, is the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord, one of the Twelve Great Feasts of the Church. Great Vespers and Matins will be served on Wednesday evening, May 20th, at 6:00 PM. Divine Liturgy is Thursday morning at 9:00 AM.

The Ascension is the fortieth day after Pascha. Christ gathered his disciples on the Mount of Olives, blessed them, and was taken up into heaven. The disciples returned to Jerusalem not in grief but in great joy, and waited for what he had promised: the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

There is something in the Ascension that is easy to miss. The same body that was crucified and raised is now at the right hand of the Father. Human nature has been taken into heaven. That is what we celebrate on this day.

Wednesday evening we also mark the Leavetaking of Pascha, the final farewell to the Paschal season. The Paschal greeting gives way to what comes next. It is a meaningful transition worth being present for.

No fasting on Thursday. Come to both services if you can.

Fr. Solomon