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Come Holy Ghost creator Come - Pentecost Hymn

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Come Holy Ghos creator come froim thy bright heavenly throne - Search Videos

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Come O Spirit, sacred Fire, Hymn

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Pentecost is an important holiday in Christianity that celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament, in the book of Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1- 31). It is celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter Sunday (hence the name "Pentecost", which means "fiftieth" in Greek) and marks the end of the Easter period.

The importance of Pentecost in Christianity is multiple:

Birth of the Church : Pentecost is often considered the birth of the Christian Church. With the descent of the Holy Spirit, the apostles were given power and guidance to begin their mission to preach the gospel to all nations, thus marking the beginning of the global expansion of Christianity.

Gift of the Holy Spirit : Pentecost celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit to the disciples, an event that enabled early Christians to speak in tongues, heal the sick, and preach with boldness and conviction. For Christians, the Holy Spirit is the comforter promised by Jesus Christ, present to guide, strengthen and sanctify believers.

Unity and diversity : The event of Pentecost, where the apostles spoke in different tongues but were understood by people of different nations, is often seen as a symbol of the universality of the Church and its mission to bring together all nations under the banner of Christ, while respecting their cultural and linguistic diversity.

Common themes and symbols associated with Pentecost in art

In religious art, Pentecost is often represented in a very symbolic way. The most common elements include:

Tongues of Fire : Flames or tongues of fire resting on the heads of each apostle and Mary, the mother of Jesus, are one of the most recognizable symbols of Pentecost. These flames represent the presence of the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues, enabling the apostles to speak in various tongues to preach the Gospel to all nations.

The Dove : The dove is another strong symbol of Pentecost, representing peace and purity, as well as the physical presence of the Holy Spirit. In many works of art, a dove is often seen descending from heaven towards the apostles.

The Apostles and Mary : The apostles and sometimes Mary are usually depicted together, often seated in a circle, to illustrate the event of Pentecost as described in the Acts of the Apostles. This provision emphasizes the unity of the early Christians and the importance of community.

Diversity of Peoples : Some works of art may include people from different nations to illustrate the gift of tongues and the universal mission of the Church, reflecting the ability of the apostles to speak to everyone in their own language.

The Church : Images or symbols of the Church, such as a building or a congregation of people, can be incorporated to symbolize the birth of the Church at Pentecost.

Wind and Breath : Although less visually obvious than the flames or the dove, the wind is a powerful symbol of Pentecost, representing the breath of life and the energy of the Holy Spirit. In some works this may be indicated by waving clothing or moving elements of nature.

The Book or Scroll : These elements can symbolize the Scriptures or the new law brought by the Holy Spirit. They highlight the role of teaching and preaching in the mission of the apostles.

Light : Light is often used to symbolize divine presence and revelation. The way light is depicted in Pentecostal artwork can vary, but it generally serves to highlight holy figures and represent spiritual illumination brought by the Holy Spirit.

Laure Barlet, THE HOLY SPIRIT OF PENTECOST (2023)

Historical and Biblical Context

Historical and biblical origins : Before becoming a Christian holiday, Pentecost was a Jewish holiday known as Shavuot, celebrated fifty days after Passover. Shavuot originally marked the end of the grain harvest period and later became associated with the commemoration of the giving of the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai.

In the Christian context, Pentecost is described in most detail in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1-31). According to the account, after Jesus' ascension, his disciples and a few others, including Mary, Jesus' mother, and his brothers, gathered in a house in Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish festival of Pentecost. While they were together, a sound like that of a strong wind filled the house, and tongues like flame appeared and rested on each of them. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit granted them utterance.

This event is considered the birth of the Christian Church. The disciples, now filled with the Holy Spirit, were equipped to undertake the mission Jesus had given them: to preach the gospel to all nations. The account goes on to describe how Peter addressed the gathered crowd, explaining the event as the fulfillment of prophecies and preaching the resurrection of Jesus. On that day, approximately three thousand people were baptized and added to the community of believers.

Theological Significance and Celebration : Pentecost is considered a pivotal moment in Christian history - the moment when the Holy Spirit was given to the disciples, enabling them to begin their public ministry. It also symbolizes the universality of the Church, as the gift of tongues allowed the disciples to communicate with people of different nations and cultures.

Traditionally, Pentecost is celebrated with Bible readings, songs, prayers and sermons that focus on the theme of the Holy Spirit. In many churches, red, symbolizing fire and the Holy Spirit, is used in decoration and liturgical vestments to reflect the fire imagery of Pentecost. The feast is an opportunity for Christians to reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in their lives and in the Church.

The religious art of Pentecost

How has Pentecost been depicted in art over the centuries?

Pentecost has been a popular subject in Christian art over the centuries, illustrated in various ways depending on the era, artistic style and cultural context.

Byzantine and medieval art : In Byzantine art and early medieval works, Pentecost is often depicted as a scene in which the Apostles sit in a circle or semi-circle, sometimes around the Virgin Mary. Above them, rays or tongues of fire descend from the sky, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. These works emphasize the divine nature of the event and the community of believers.

Renaissance : With the revival of interest in classical antiquity during the Renaissance, depictions of Pentecost became more dynamic and humanized. Artists like Titian and Giotto depicted the Apostles with emotional expressions and dramatic gestures, capturing the moment of their divine inspiration. The Virgin Mary is often center stage, adding a maternal dimension to the event.

Baroque : In Baroque art, depictions of Pentecost become even more theatrical and expressive, with strong contrast of light and shadow and dynamic compositions. Artists like Rubens and El Greco illustrated the scene with a great sense of movement and emotion, reflecting the spiritual intensity of the event.

Modern and Contemporary Periods : Beginning in the 19th century and continuing in contemporary art, depictions of Pentecost can vary widely, reflecting the varied artistic styles and concerns of their times. Some artists may choose to approach the theme abstractly, focusing on symbols or colors to evoke the experience of the Holy Spirit. Others may incorporate contemporary cultural or social elements to make the scene more relevant to modern audiences.

Colors used
Iconic works of art

Here are some specific examples of artwork depicting Pentecost, each offering a unique perspective on this biblical event through different mediums and artistic styles:
1. Pentecost by El Greco (1600)
Pentecost, El Greco (around 1600), 275 x 127 cm, Prado Museum, Madrid (Spain)
2. Pentecost by Jean II Restout (1732)
Jean II Restout: Pentecost (1732)
3. Pentecost stained glass windows, Chartres Cathedral (12th-13th century)
Stained glass window of the Apostles, details, Chartres Cathedral (France), Pentecost, the Apostles receive the Spirit in the form of tongues of fire (top right)

The art of Pentecost in different Christian traditions

The art of Pentecost varies greatly between different Christian traditions, reflecting each tradition's specific theological beliefs, liturgical practices, and cultural contexts.

Catholic tradition:
In Catholic art, Pentecost is often represented with great solemnity and detail, highlighting the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of tongues of fire on the apostles and the Virgin Mary, generally gathered in the upper room (Cenacle). . The works can be found in a variety of forms such as paintings, frescoes, stained glass and mosaics. Bright colors, especially red symbolizing the fire of the Holy Spirit, are frequently used. This tradition emphasizes the presence of Mary and the unity of the apostles, emphasizing the birth of the Church and the universal mission to preach the Gospel.

Orthodox tradition:
In Orthodox art, Pentecost is also known as the Feast of the Holy Trinity. Pentecost icons in the Orthodox tradition often feature formal symmetry, with the apostles arranged in a semicircle or in two symmetrical rows, sometimes with the Virgin Mary in the center. A special feature of the Orthodox Pentecost icon is the mysterious figure at the bottom of the icon, representing the world or sometimes called "Cosmos", symbolizing the peoples not yet evangelized. The icons underline the cosmic dimension of the event, highlighting the role of the Church in the redemption of the entire cosmos.

Protestant traditions:
In Protestant traditions, art related to Pentecost may be less prevalent due to a historical trend toward a more restrained aesthetic in worship. However, when Pentecost is depicted, it often focuses on conveying the message of the Gospel and the emancipatory aspect of the Holy Spirit. Works of art, such as paintings or stained glass windows, may focus more on the didactic aspect, highlighting the apostles preaching or being inspired to speak in tongues. The colors and symbols remain similar, with a particular emphasis on light and fire as representations of the Holy Spirit.

Pentecostal and charismatic traditions:
Although these traditions are not known for a specific artistic style related to Pentecost, their theology places a strong emphasis on the personal, present-day experience of the Holy Spirit. The art found in these communities may be more contemporary and diverse, reflecting personal experiences of the Holy Spirit. Artistic representations can be less formal and more experimental, highlighting themes such as healing, prophecy and personal transformation.

Jean Dubreil

Mar 8, 2023 | 9 minutes read | 0

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Pentecost art depicts the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles, a key event in Christianity symbolized by tongues of fire, doves and harmonious gatherings, reflecting themes of transformation and unity. These artistic representations span the centuries, enriching Christian culture and spirituality by exploring divine communication and inspiration through a variety of mediums and styles.

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Diocese of Salford - The Church, established by Christ to do his work.