The Great Fifty Days of the Easter Season come to an end on Sunday, June 4, the Day of Pentecost, when we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the community of believers in Jerusalem. Through the Spirit working in them they were empowered to go forth as witnesses to proclaim the good news of God in Christ. We as the descendants of that community will assemble in Columbus, Ohio the Sunday following Pentecost. We will come together as Bishops and Deputies to seek the guidance of the Spirit as we engage the work of the 75th General Convention in the service of God’s work of restoring all people to unity with God and one another in Christ.
Some months ago my Council of Advice met with the Council of Advice of the President of the House of Deputies, the Very Rev. George L. W. Werner, to look ahead to General Convention. During the course of our conversations the idea was put forward and enthusiastically supported that the church be invited to participate in an Octave of Prayer for the General Convention. Subsequently, these materials have been prepared for both personal and corporate use.
There is a long tradition in the church of celebrating octaves: that is the full eight days following major feasts. This year the Octave of Pentecost, which is the eight days between the Feast of Pentecost and Trinity Sunday, is a period immediately preceding the General Convention. This, therefore, is a particularly appropriate time for Episcopalians to pray for the 75th General Convention.
Supported by the prayer of the whole church, it is my hope that Deputies and Bishops gathered together in Columbus will make decisions that reflect the mind and heart of Christ who through the cross has drawn all to himself in the fullness of his reconciling love.
The Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold
Presiding Bishop and Primate
