Today the Coptic Church celebrates the blessed feast of the Ascension which is celebrated 40 days after the Resurrection of Christ.

Below is a wonderful contemplation by St Romanos a melodist (6th century in the Eastern Orthodox Chruch) on this wonderful Feast.

He Who descended to earth, as He alone knew how, Rising up from it (again as He knew how), He took the ones whom He loved, and gathering them together, He led them to a high mountain In order that, when they had their minds and sensibilities on the height, They might forget all lowly things. And so, when they were led up to the Mount of Olives, They formed a circle around the Benefactor, As Luke, one of the initiates, narrates in full. (Lk. 24:50-53) The Lord, raising His hands like wings– Just as the eagle covers the nest of young birds which she warms– Spoke to the nestlings: “I have sheltered you from all evil Since I loved you and you loved Me. I am not separated from you; I am with you, and no one is against you.

O my disciples, on high over you, As God and Maker….. of the whole world, I stretch out My hands, hands which the lawless stretched, bound, and nailed down. Do you, then, place your heads under my hands; Understand and know, friends, what I am bringing to pass. For just as though baptising you, I place My hands on you now, And blessing you, I send you forth Enlightened and made wise. On your heads, praise and beauty, On your spirits, a shining glory, as is written. For I pour out on you from My own Spirit, and you will be accepted by Me, Instructed and chosen, trusted members of the inner circle. I am not separated from you; I am with you, and no one is against you.

Kontakia (Hymn) of Romanos, On the Ascension.