Ascension

Ascension, in Christianity

Ascension, name usually given to the departure of Jesus from earth as related in the Gospels according to Mark (16) and Luke (24) and in Acts 1.1–11. The annual commemoration of this is one of the principal feasts in most Christian churches.

Ascension Thursday, as it is called, occurs on the 40th day after Easter, being the Thursday of the sixth week of Easter. In early English usage this festival was known as Holy Thursday.

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Ascension, island

Ascension (əsĕn`chən), island (1998 pop. 712), 34 sq mi (88 sq km), in the S Atlantic, NW of St. Helena and belonging to the British St. Helena colony. Georgetown is the main settlement. Ascension is volcanic and rocky with little vegetation, but it supports considerable livestock (rabbits, wild goats, and partridges), much of which was brought in by the nonindigenous population. Sea turtles and terns breed there annually. The United States maintains missile, satellite tracking, and space research stations on the island. Discovered by the Portuguese João da Nova in 1501, Ascension was taken by the British in 1815 and used as a naval station. In 1922 it was made a dependency of St. Helena. The island served as a refueling base for British aircraft and ships during the Falkland Islands conflict between Britain and Argentina in 1982.

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Ascension

In Christian belief, the ascent of Jesus into heaven 40 days after the Resurrection. The Book of Acts relates that, after several appearances to the Apostles over a period of 40 days, Jesus was taken up in their presence and hidden behind a cloud, a symbol of God's presence. The event is thought to indicate a new relationship between Jesus and God and between Jesus and his followers. The feast of the Ascension is universally observed by Christians, and its celebration emphasizes the kingship of Christ. Since the 4th century, it has been celebrated 40 days after Easter and 10 days before Pentecost.

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Ascension

Assumption of Virgin Mary

belief that Mary was assumed bodily into heaven. [Christian Tradition: NCE, 1709]

crescent moon

Mary often depicted standing on or above moon. [Christian Iconog.: Brewer Dictionary, 726]

Elijah

transported to heaven in fiery chariot. [O.T.: II Kings 2:11]

Helen of Troy

soars away into the air from the cave in which Menelaus left her. [Gk. Drama: Euripides Helen]

Jesus Christ

40 days after Resurrection, ascended into heaven. [N.T.: Acts 1:1–11]

Marguerite

borne to heaven by angels. [Fr. Opera: Faust, Westerman, 183–185]

mi’raj

Muhammad’s night journey to paradise. [Islam: Leach, 731]

Romulus

taken to the heavens by Mars in a fiery chariot. [Rom. Myth: Brewer Dictionary, 775]

stars, garland of

emblem associated with the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. [Christian Iconog.: Jobes, 374]