The Vespers service of Pentecost (in some Churches, this service is done immediately after the Divine Liturgy) is called the “Vespers of the Kneeling” (Ο Εσπερινός της Γονυκλισίας). During this Vespers, the faithful kneel three times and pray for the Holy Spirit to illumine them and guide them as the period of the Pentecostarion comes to a close. Both this Vespers and the next day is dedicated to the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Holy Trinity. The Holy Spirit came as “tongues of fire” upon the heads of the Apostles on Pentecost and illumined them for their ministry. We know that the Holy Spirit is “the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who spoke through the prophets.” We know that the Holy Spirit is the “Comforter,” who guides us in our lives. We are also illumined and comforted by the Holy Spirit at our baptism and chrismation, and continue to accept this illumination throughout our lives if we choose to accept it. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit may illumine our lives.
Apolytikion
Blessed are You, O Christ our God, who made fishermen all-wise, sending upon them the Holy Spirit and, through them, netting the world. O Loving One, glory to You.