Biblical Basis for the Ascension

• The book of Acts records the scene of Jesus' ascension. The Apostles were gathered together with Jesus at the Mount of Olives when he was lifted up from them into the heavens. As the apostles looked into the sky, two men dressed in white (probably angels) appeared to them with comforting words. They said to them, "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." (Acts 1:11)
  
  

History of the Feast of the Ascension

• According to St. Augustine of Hippo, Christians have been celebrating the Ascension of Christ since the time of the Apostles. Other historians believe that the Church did not formally celebrate the Ascension until the fourth century. Some Christian traditions refer to the Ascension as the Analepsis, which means "the taking up," or the Episozomene, meaning "the salvation."
  
  

Signs and Symbols of the Ascension

• Liturgical churches use the color white to celebrate the Ascension. Other common symbols of the ascension are Christ ascending (sometimes paired with a depiction of Satan descending), birds flying as if toward their home, open gates, a lion defeating a dragon, the fiery chariot of the prophet Elijah, and a broken chain. These symbols appear in Western Christian art as well as the icons used in the worship of Orthodox Christian traditions.
  
  

Modern Celebration of the Ascension

• In the Western tradition, the Feast of the Ascension is the 40th day after Easter Sunday, which is the 6th Thursday of the Easter season. Some churches choose to observe the day on the following Sunday, which is the 7th Sunday of Easter. In Orthodox churches, which follow a different liturgical calendar, the date is generally later in the year. The Ascension is often celebrated with a procession, which symbolizes Christ on his way to the Mount of Olives. Some denominations also celebrate by extinguishing the Paschal Candle, which was lit at the Easter Vigil.
  
  

Significance of the Ascension

• In addition to being a historical even in the life of Jesus, the Ascension also has theological significance for Christians. First, it marks the end of Jesus' earthly ministry and assures believers that Jesus will return to earth. Second, it marks Jesus' entrance into the Kingdom of God and symbolizes that Christians also will one day live in God's Kingdom. Third, it promises to believers that Christ intercedes for them before the throne of God. Fourth, it promises that the power of the Holy Spirit will be with believers as they proclaim the Gospel around the world.