Egypt's Orthodox Church celebrates Ascension Thursday

CAIRO – 6 June 2019: The Coptic Orthodox Church celebrates on Thursday the day of the Ascension of Jesus, which took place forty days after Easter (the resurrection of Jesus), according to the Christian belief.

Christians believe that Jesus died and that resurrection took place three days later.

The Feast of the Ascension is one of 12 feasts celebrated by the Orthodox Church, as it marks the memory of the last time Jesus appeared to speak to his disciples after his death, according to the Christian belief.

Jesus spoke to his disciples several times during these forty days, and appeared to them at the Sea of Galilee. The last time was on the Mount of Olives, before he rose to the sky and disappeared behind the clouds, according to the Bible.

The Gospel mentioned the Ascension Day more than once in more than one place with slight variations in detail. It was mentioned in the Gospel of John and the Gospel of Luke.

The Feast of the Ascension marks the end of the Holy Fifty Days (El-Khamasin), according to the Christian belief, and begins after Pentecost, where the number of its days varies annually according to astronomical calculations ranging from 14 to 43 days.

During the Holy El-Khamasin, the Church celebrates the Holy Resurrection. The deacons and priests walk inside the Church carrying the image of Christ to celebrate the resurrection.

Fasting is prohibited during the period of the El-Khamasin, as it is a period of joy.

Pentecost is celebrated at the end of the Holy El-Khamasin, fifty days after the resurrection.