- Статьи
- Local news
- The Holy Trinity in 2025: the Spiritual meaning of the doctrine of the trinity of God in simple words
The Holy Trinity in 2025: the Spiritual meaning of the doctrine of the trinity of God in simple words
Holy Trinity is one of the greatest and brightest holidays in Orthodoxy and Catholicism, which annually unites millions of Christians. The celebration is dedicated to the great mystery — the doctrine of the trinity of God in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. On this day, festive divine services are held in churches, where ancient chants and prayers glorifying the Holy Trinity are heard. Believers decorate churches and their homes with birch branches and flowers symbolizing renewal, life and the grace of the Holy Spirit. Izvestia tells us more about what event the Christian holiday is dedicated to and how important it is to spend this day.
Trinity in 2025: how many days after Easter, when Catholics and Orthodox Christians
Holy Trinity Day is one of the main twelve—day holidays, which falls on different dates every year. This is due to the fact that the celebration is usually celebrated on the 50th day after the Resurrection of Christ. Therefore, the Orthodox holiday is also called Pentecost.
In 2025, Easter coincided for Orthodox and Catholics, they celebrated the great celebration on the same day — April 20. Accordingly, believers of both faiths will also celebrate the Holy Trinity on the same date — Sunday, June 8, despite the differences in calendars (Orthodox Christians traditionally use the Julian calendar, while Catholics use the Gregorian calendar).
The holiday is considered the birthday of the Universal Church: it was then, according to legend, that the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, giving them the power to preach the gospel throughout the world. On the day of the celebration, the Easter cycle ends and another spiritual period begins — the time of strengthening the faith and unity of the Church.
How and where is the Trinity described in the Gospel
The doctrine of the Holy Trinity is based on the texts of the New Testament, although the very concept of the Trinity is not found in the Gospel. The concept of the trinity of God is revealed through the events and words described in the sacred texts. One of the key places is the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan (Matthew 3:16-17). At this moment, God the Father proclaims, "This is my beloved Son," the Holy Spirit descends in the form of a dove, and Jesus, the Son of God, is present as the one being baptized. This event is a simultaneous manifestation of all three Persons of the Deity.
Another important episode is Christ's great commission to the apostles before his ascension (Matthew 28:19), where he commands: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." These words directly point to the trinity of God as the basis of the Christian faith.
Also in John's Gospel (John 14:16-17, 15:26), Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit as a comforter who will be sent by the Father at his request, emphasizing the connection between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
In addition, the book "Acts of the Holy Apostles" of the New Testament (chapter 2, verses 1-13) describes an important event related to the manifestation of the Holy Trinity, the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. According to the Holy Scriptures, after the Resurrection of Christ, the apostles and the Virgin Mary prayed for 10 days in the Upper Room of Zion in Jerusalem, waiting for the fulfillment of Jesus' promise of the descent of the Holy Spirit.
At about 9 a.m., a noise like the sound of a strong wind was heard in the house, and tongues of fire appeared above the apostles' heads. All of Christ's disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, received the gift of speaking in different languages, and the power to heal, prophesy, and preach. This event marked the beginning of the history of the Christian Church and a symbol of the unity of all believers in the Holy Spirit. On this day, the mystery of the trinity of God was revealed: the Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Father according to the promise of the Son, appeared to the world.
The doctrine of the Trinity of God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit): Spiritual meaning
The doctrine of the trinity of God is the heart of the Christian faith, explaining the nature of God as one in three Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Accordingly, God is one in essence, but exists in three equal and inseparable hypostases, each of which possesses the fullness of the divine nature.:
— The Father is the Creator of the world, the source of all things;
— The Son is God incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ, who came to earth for the salvation of people;
— The Holy Spirit is a divine power that inspires, comforts and leads believers to the truth.
The spiritual meaning of this teaching is that God is not a distant and incomprehensible entity, but a tangible love and unity. God is one in three persons, and his hypostases are in perfect harmony and mutual love, which is an example of how a person needs to exist — to live in peace, love and harmony, to be united in spirit and deeds.
The Trinity teaches that God is close to every human being: the Father created us, the Son saved us, and the Holy Spirit is with us, helping us in our spiritual life. The Lord is both transcendent (above the world) and immanent (present in the world), so he can hear each of us through prayer.
What does the Trinity holiday mean in simple words?
The Feast of the Trinity is a day when Christians remember the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. This event marked the beginning of the spiritual rebirth of the world, as after the divine enlightenment, the disciples of Jesus Christ gained the gift of preaching Christianity everywhere. It is a celebration of love, unity and renewal.
The Trinity serves as a reminder that God is a triune being who always accompanies man. He gives people the strength, wisdom, and love to live a Christian life and help others. On this day, believers pray for peace, ask for spiritual strength and inspiration to live according to God's will.
How to celebrate the feast of the Trinity in the churches of the Russian Orthodox Church
In the temples of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), Holy Trinity Day is celebrated with special solemnity. On the eve of the feast, on Saturday evening, an all—night vigil is celebrated - a special divine service with the singing of canons and stichera dedicated to the Holy Spirit.
On Trinity Day itself, the Divine Liturgy is served, after which Great Vespers is usually celebrated with the reading of special kneeling prayers. These prayers express repentance, requests for the grace of the Holy Spirit and the repose of the departed. A special place is occupied by the prayer "O Heavenly King, Comforter..." addressed to the Holy Spirit, as well as the reading of troparia and kontakion praising the Holy Trinity. During Vespers, believers kneel for the first time after Easter — this is a special sign of humility and prayerful attitude.
On the day of the holiday, temples are decorated with fresh greenery — birch branches and flowers. The floor is covered with freshly cut grass, filling the shrine with a lively fragrance that mixes with the smell of incense. The clergy wear festive green liturgical robes, which symbolize life, renewal and the power of the Holy Spirit in Orthodoxy.
Believers actively participate in divine services on Holy Trinity Day, bringing bouquets of wildflowers and birch branches to churches, which they take home after consecration to protect and bless their homes. Many people try to spend the holiday in prayer and spiritual reflection, strengthening their faith and unity with God.
It is not recommended to do heavy physical work, cleaning, washing or sewing on this day. It is believed that any difficult tasks can distract from prayer and reduce the grace of the celebration. Also, in folk traditions, it was believed that on this day one should not quarrel and swear, so as not to disturb the atmosphere of peace and love that the Holy Spirit bestows on a person.
Holy Trinity services in 2025: how and when will they be held
In 2025, divine services for the Holy Trinity in churches will begin on the eve of the holiday. On Saturday evening, June 7, an All-night vigil will be held, including Litiya and polyeleos, with the reading of gospel passages about the descent of the Holy Spirit.
On the morning of the feast, the Divine Liturgy is served, during which texts from the Acts of the Apostles are read. 2:1-11) and the Gospel of John (Jn. 7:37-52, 8:12). After that, Great Vespers is celebrated with kneeling prayers.
In large cathedrals, such as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, divine services are led by bishops or the patriarch, which gives them a special solemnity. The schedule of services in each church may vary, but usually the liturgies begin at 7:00-10:00, and the All—Night Vigil is at 17:00-18:00 the day before. It is recommended to check the exact schedule with your parish.
The festive service will continue on the next day, June 9, when believers will celebrate Spirits Day. The holiday is dedicated to the glorification of the Holy Spirit as the life-giving principle that gives believers strength and inspiration for a righteous life. On the day of the celebration, services dedicated to the gifts of the Holy Spirit — wisdom, love and unity - will also be held in churches.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
