Orthodox Christians celebrate the Ascension of the Lord
Orthodox Christians celebrate today the Ascension of the Lord, a feast commemorating the Ascension of Jesus Christ 40 days after the Resurrection, also known as Ispas. On Ascension Day, Mass is celebrated in churches. The day's service is also linked to the Resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
According to the church books, the Ascension is the last event of Jesus Christ's earthly life. The Church says this day is as important as Easter.
According to tradition, on Easter, Christians greet each other with "Christ is ascended!" and "Truly he is risen!". Several traditions and customs are linked to the feast of the Ascension. In some regions, the souls of the departed are cared for and funerals are held at cemeteries. It is said that it is good to let horses loose on this day, and in some areas Ispas Thursday is also called Easter of the Horses.
On Ispas, graves are cleaned and decorated with flowers, leaves and branches of palms, and tributes are made, the souls of those who have died are feasted with cheese, green onions, warm bread and brandy, it being believed that on this day their souls are lifted to heaven and have good things on the way.
Ispas Day is a milestone for agriculture: the sowing of plants, especially corn, is completed, because what is sown after Ispas does not bear fruit, oxen and heifers are taken up to the mountain pastures and lambs are marked by ear cropping.
