Ascension Day Service

May 14, 2026, 10:30 a.m. Öhningen Collegiate Church Worship Service on the Feast of the Ascension **The Feast of the Ascension** is an important Christian holiday on which believers commemorate Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven following his resurrection. According to biblical tradition, Jesus appeared to his disciples for 40 days after Easter and was then taken up into heaven before their eyes. This event is described primarily in the Gospel of Luke and in the Acts of the Apostles. ([Encyclopedia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ascension-Christianity?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) ### When is Ascension Day celebrated? The holiday always falls **40 days after Easter Sunday** (or 39 days after Easter Sunday, to be precise) and therefore **always falls on a Thursday**. It also falls **10 days before Pentecost**. ([vivat.de](https://www.vivat.de/magazin/jahreskreis/osterfestkreis/christi-himmelfahrt-bedeutung/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) ### Religious Significance For Christians, Ascension Day symbolizes: - the **completion of Jesus’ earthly ministry** - his **return to God the Father** - his **exaltation and glorification** in heaven - the preparation for **Pentecost**, that is, the sending of the Holy Spirit ### Historical Background Ascension Day is one of the oldest Christian festivals and has been celebrated since the early centuries of Christianity. The feast established itself as a separate holiday within the Church around the 4th century. ([Encyclopedia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ascension-Christianity?utm_source=chatgpt.com))