What is Easter?

Easter centers on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, symbolizing his victory over sin and death, offering hope for eternal life, forgiveness, and spiritual rebirth, fulfilling prophecies, and confirming his divine status. That event is just the beginning, as Jesus did many things among his disciples afterwards that ended with his ascension.

Learn More

The Resurrection of Jesus

In this powerful icon from the Eastern tradition, we see the significance of Jesus rising from the dead: He is pulling Adam and Eve out of their graves, showing that he has redeemed all humanity, going back to the beginning and forward to the end of time. He is standing on the gates of hell, which he has broken, as the scripture says in Hebrews 2:14, "that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil." Cast into the abyss by the broken gates of hell are Satan and Death, along with the keys by which they had kept humanity bound in sin. Jesus conquered it all.

---

The Ascension of Jesus

For 40 days, Jesus spent time among his disciples showing them that he was bodily raised from the dead. The Gospels are clear that there is no division of body and spirit in the resurrection; our whole being is raised to new life. Jesus' mission did not end with his earthly ministry, however; he was given authority over all creation. To exercise that authority, he had to leave the earth and take his place at the heavenly throne. The Ascension marks the end of his earthly ministry.

The Day of Pentecost

On the 50th day after the Resurrection of Jesus, the Jewish community of which Jesus and the disciples were members gathered in Jerusalem for the festival of Pentecost. At that time, the ascended Lord Jesus with God the Father sent their Holy Spirit upon the apostles, empowering them to share the Good News of life in Jesus with everyone, as Jesus had commissioned them. This was the beginning of the church, as the Word and the Spirit spread first among the Jews and then to others, and a way of life emerged that to this day is called Christianity.