Pentecost is celebrated fifty days after Easter Sunday, which places it in late spring. Because it is counted from Easter, Western and Orthodox churches keep it on different Sundays in the years their Easter dates differ.

Why is Pentecost called the birthday of the church?

Because on that day, according to Acts 2, the Holy Spirit came upon the first believers and Peter preached to the crowd, and about three thousand were added to their number. It marks the church going public in the world.

How do I find a Pentecost service near me?

Use the live church finder to search churches near you and check which hold a Pentecost Sunday service. We point you to real churches, not invented events.

The Church Year

Pentecost Services

Pentecost is the day the church celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the first believers, fifty days after Easter. Often called the birthday of the church, it recalls Acts 2, when the Spirit came like wind and fire and the disciples began to proclaim Christ in many languages. Churches mark it with red vestments, joyful worship, and prayer for the Spirit’s fresh outpouring. Its date follows Easter, so Western and Orthodox dates can differ.

What churches celebrate at Pentecost

Pentecost falls fifty days after Easter (the word means ‘fiftieth’) and closes the great season of Easter. Churches often wear red for the fire of the Spirit, read the account of Acts 2, and pray that God would fill his people afresh. Because Pentecost is counted from Easter, Western and Orthodox churches keep it on different Sundays in the years their Easter dates differ. It is a joyful, hopeful celebration of God’s presence with his people.

The coming of the Spirit

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

Acts 2:2-4

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.”

Joel 2:28

At Pentecost a frightened handful of followers became a fearless church that would carry the good news to the ends of the earth. It is the church’s reminder that the Christian life is not lived by human strength alone, but by the Spirit God freely gives.

Find a service near you

Pentecost celebrates a gift that is still given. You do not need to know anyone, dress a certain way, or have it all figured out. Use the live church finder to search real, welcoming churches near you, then reach out to one and ask about their service times. Whether you have been every week for fifty years or have never been at all, you are wanted exactly as you are.

Find a church near you What to expect if you go

Frequently asked questions

When is Pentecost?: Pentecost is celebrated fifty days after Easter Sunday, which places it in late spring. Because it is counted from Easter, Western and Orthodox churches keep it on different Sundays in the years their Easter dates differ.
Why is Pentecost called the birthday of the church?: Because on that day, according to Acts 2, the Holy Spirit came upon the first believers and Peter preached to the crowd, and about three thousand were added to their number. It marks the church going public in the world.
How do I find a Pentecost service near me?: Use the live church finder to search churches near you and check which hold a Pentecost Sunday service. We point you to real churches, not invented events.

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Come and see

Behind every one of these days is a Person, not a performance. The living Christ is not an argument to be won but someone to be met, and he still draws near to everyone who comes to him with an open heart. You do not have to believe everything first. You are welcome to come with your questions, your grief, and your doubts, and simply see. The Gospel of John is a gentle place to begin, and it costs you nothing but a little quiet and an honest look.

Read the Gospel of John Come and See Ask for prayer

Jesus Christ is Lord.

Explore furtherWhat is Pentecost?What is the Holy Spirit?Read Acts 2 The meaning of Pentecost Find a church