East Meadow Church to Celebrate the Birthday of Christianity
Orthodox Christians to celebrate Pentecost on Sunday, May 23

East Meadow, NY – As spring transitions into summer, Orthodox Christians across Long Island will be celebrating the feast of Pentecost this coming weekend. Pentecost, celebrated 50 days after Easter each year, is the commemoration of the Holy Spirit descending on the Apostles and the establishment of Christianity.

“In essence, Pentecost is the birthday of the church,” according to Father Martin Kraus, rector of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in East Meadow, NY, “and it is an annual celebration for Christians to recommit themselves to the Church’s mission of bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to all people.”

On Sunday, May 23, members of the Holy Trinity parish will celebrate a Divine Liturgy beginning at 9:30 a.m. with special readings and hymns which mark the establishment of the Christian church. At the conclusion of the service, those in attendance will participate in an outdoor procession during which additional prayers will be offered for those in the local community, for those in need in the greater New York metropolitan area, and for peace throughout the world.

“The procession is symbolic of our parish ‘stepping-out’ into the community,” said George Krezminski, parish council president at Holy Trinity Church, “To be Christian means we must do whatever we can for the betterment of society.”

The recognition of being part of the larger community has inspired local Orthodox churches to organize weekly soup runs in Manhattan, and support Long Island-based shelters by gathering resources for less fortunate families.

Social services have been a part of Christianity since its establishment centuries ago. According to scripture, the disciples of Jesus Christ were gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish feast of Pentecost when they heard the sound of a rushing wind, and received the gift of the Holy Spirit through tongues of fire. Emboldened by the experience, the early Christians preached the gospel message and led lives in service to others.

“In an age of self-gratification and individuality, the church offers a different message,” Father Martin notes, “The feast of Pentecost reminds us that sharing our resources with others can fill our life meaning, love, faith, and hope.”

Photos from the feast

Complete schedule of events