Sunday 4th June 2017 marked the Feast of Pentecost in the Eastern and Western Christian Calendars – so called because it marks the 50th day after Easter Day and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

This day also commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks, as described in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1–31). Some Christians believe this event represents the birth of the Church.

In the United Kingdom this Sunday is also known as “Whitsunday” (from “White Sunday”) and was marked there by a Bank Holiday on the following day (Whit Monday), although this has now been replaced by a fixed holiday on the last Monday in May.

Here in St. Andrew’s the day was celebrated by a Festal Eucharist with the church beautifully decorated with red flowers (red being the traditional liturgical colour for Feast Days associated with the Holy Spirit), and members of the packed congregation being encouraged to wear red for the day! Suffice to say some of the ladies did us proud whilst most of the gentlemen left something to be desired!

Following the service the whole congregation was invited to the Chaplain’s home, the Hermitage, to partake in a wonderful bring-and-share lunch. Parishioners and visitors alike enjoyed the fruits of the labours of so many who had brought so much to share.

Below are some photographs of those who enjoyed this time together – and the delicious victuals!