June 12 marks our Leave-taking of Pascha, as we turn to the celebration of the Ascension. We observe it with Paschal Matins at 8:15, with all the joyful hymns of Pascha.

We still count the days from Pascha until the fiftieth day, Pentecost. But for the next ten days, we will commemorate the Lord's ascending in the body from earth to sit at the right hand of the Father, and we will prepare to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

This is the day of resurrection!
Let us be illumined by the feast!
Let us call "Brothers" even those that hate us,
and forgive all by the resurrection.
And so let us cry:

"Christ is risen from the dead,
trampling down death by death,
and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!"