HOLY TRINITY UNIVERSITY

CHURCH HISTORY
ASSIGNMENT 2

REYES, ONYX C.
BSN 2A

1. What are the following events

A. Easter

Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
which is believed to have occurred on the third day after his crucifixion. It is one of the most
significant events in the Christian calendar and is typically observed on the first Sunday following
the first full moon after the vernal equinox, usually falling between March 22 and April 25.

Easter events vary widely worldwide and may include religious services, such as sunrise
masses and processions, as well as secular traditions like egg hunts and the exchange of chocolate
eggs and other gifts. Many cultures also have unique customs, such as the Easter Bunny in Western
traditions and the cracking of red eggs in Eastern Orthodox celebrations.

B. Ascension

The Ascension, in Christian theology, commemorates the event when Jesus Christ is
believed to have ascended bodily into heaven, 40 days after his resurrection from the dead. This
event is a significant part of Christian doctrine and is observed on the 40th day of Easter, always
falling on a Thursday, known as Ascension Thursday.

According to the Bible, as described in the Book of Acts, Jesus' ascension took place in the
presence of his disciples, during which he commissioned them to spread his teachings and make
disciples of all nations. It signifies Jesus' return to the divine realm and his continued role as the
intercessor between humanity and God.

In various Christian traditions, Ascension Day is marked by special church services,

including prayers, scripture readings, and hymns. Some regions also have unique customs, such as
processions or the symbolic raising of a cross. It serves as a reminder of the core beliefs in
Christianity and the mission given to believers to spread the message of Christ throughout the
world.
C. Pentecost

Pentecost is a significant event in Christianity that occurs 50 days after Easter Sunday. It
commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ.
The word "Pentecost" is derived from the Greek word "pentekostē," meaning "fiftieth," reflecting
the timing of this event.

According to the New Testament book of Acts (Acts 2:1-4), on the day of Pentecost, the
apostles and disciples were gathered in Jerusalem when suddenly, a mighty wind filled the place,
and tongues of fire appeared over their heads. They were filled with the Holy Spirit, which enabled
them to speak in various languages, allowing them to communicate the message of Jesus to people
from different nations who had gathered in Jerusalem for the Jewish festival of Pentecost.

Pentecost is often seen as the birthday of the Christian Church, as it marks the moment
when the disciples were empowered to spread the teachings of Jesus and establish the early
Christian community. It serves as a reminder of the Holy Spirit's role in guiding and empowering
believers in their faith. In many Christian traditions, Pentecost is celebrated with special church
services, prayers, and the color red, symbolizing the flames of the Holy Spirit.

2. Why is Easter the most significant and focal point of our faith?

Easter stands as the most significant and focal point of the Christian faith for several
profound reasons. At its core, Easter commemorates the pivotal event of Jesus Christ's resurrection
from the dead, an event that encapsulates the essence of Christian beliefs. Firstly, Easter signifies
the triumph over death itself. It serves as a powerful symbol of hope and eternal life, as Christians
believe that through Jesus' resurrection, they too can conquer death and attain salvation.

Secondly, Easter underscores the central theme of atonement. According to Christian

doctrine, Jesus' crucifixion and subsequent resurrection provide a means for humanity's
reconciliation with God. It represents the ultimate act of love and sacrifice, as Christ took on the
sins of the world. Furthermore, Easter reinforces the historical authenticity of Christianity. The
empty tomb and the eyewitness accounts of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances lend credibility
to the faith's foundational narrative.

In essence, Easter serves as a profound reminder of the core Christian message:

redemption, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. It is the focal
point of Christian belief, encapsulating the very essence of their faith.
3. Read what happens during Pentecost and the effects to the lives of the Apostles

During Pentecost, a powerful wind filled the place where they were gathered, and tongues
of fire rested upon each of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit, which enabled them to
speak in languages they did not know. This extraordinary experience allowed them to
communicate the message of Jesus to a diverse crowd of people in Jerusalem for the Jewish
festival.

The effects on the apostles were transformative. They were emboldened and empowered
by the Holy Spirit, shedding their previous fears and doubts. They began to preach the gospel with
newfound zeal and courage, leading to the conversion of thousands of people. Pentecost marked
the birth of the Christian Church, as the apostles and early believers organized themselves into a
community of faith, laying the foundation for the global spread of Christianity. It transformed the
apostles from ordinary men into bold and dedicated evangelists, shaping the course of Christian
history.

4. Enumerate the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit and choose one which is indispensable
for you as future RN

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit, as described in Christian theology, are:

1. Wisdom: The ability to make sound judgments and decisions with a deep understanding
of God's will.
2. Understanding: The capacity to comprehend the deeper meaning of faith and divine
mysteries.
3. Counsel (Right Judgment): The gift of seeking and giving wise advice and guidance.
4. Fortitude (Courage): The strength and courage to endure hardships and challenges for the
sake of faith.
5. Knowledge: A deep awareness of God's purpose and plan for one's life.
6. Piety (Reverence): A sense of devotion and respect for God and others.
7. Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe): A profound respect and awe for the majesty and
power of God.
The Fruits of the Holy Spirit, on the other hand, are:

1. Love: Unconditional love for God and others.

2. Joy: Inner happiness and contentment regardless of external circumstances.
3. Peace: Inner tranquility and harmony.
4. Patience: The ability to endure adversity and waiting without becoming upset.
5. Kindness: Compassion and empathy towards others.
6. Goodness: Moral excellence and integrity.
7. Faithfulness: Loyalty and trustworthiness.
8. Gentleness: A calm and composed disposition.
9. Self-control: The ability to restrain one's impulses and desires.

I would choose the traits of counsel (right judgment) and patience as my character traits
that I should have that I will be applying when I become a registered nurse in the future.
Counsel (Right Judgment) would assist me as an RN in making critical decisions about patient
care, treatment options, and ethical dilemmas, ensuring that they provide the best possible care
while adhering to ethical and moral principles.

On the other hand, patience is essential for an RN as healthcare settings can be hectic and
stressful. Patience will allow me to remain calm under pressure, provide attentive care, and
handle challenging situations with empathy, ensuring the well-being and comfort of their
patients.

5. Write your Faith experience perhaps during the height of Pandemic

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, my faith journey took an unexpected and
transformative turn. As a member of my local church, I had always found solace and inspiration
in our vibrant congregation. However, with social distancing measures in place and church doors
temporarily closed, my spiritual life faced a unique challenge.

Initially, I struggled with the isolation and the absence of communal worship. But as the
pandemic persisted, I began to explore new ways to nurture my faith. Virtual services became a
lifeline, allowing me to join my fellow parishioners in prayer and reflection through the screen. It
was during one of these virtual gatherings that I experienced a profound moment of connection.
The pastor's sermon focused on finding faith and hope amidst adversity, and it resonated deeply
with me. I realized that faith was not confined to the physical walls of a church; it could thrive in
the hearts of believers, even in the midst of a global crisis.
 I began to delve into daily scripture readings, engage in online discussions with fellow
believers, and explore contemplative practices like meditation and mindfulness. These endeavors
deepened my relationship with God in ways I had never anticipated. I discovered a more personal
and intimate connection with my faith, one that was not dependent on external circumstances. As
the pandemic continued, my faith provided a source of resilience and hope. It inspired acts of
compassion and service within my community, as we rallied together to support those most
affected by the crisis. Through this experience, I learned that faith is not static; it evolves and
adapts, providing strength and purpose, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.

In retrospect, the pandemic served as a catalyst for a profound spiritual awakening within
me. It reinforced the idea that faith is not bound by physical constraints but can thrive in the most
unexpected places and circumstances.