Mid-Pentecost celebrates the midpoint between the Feasts of Pascha and Pentecost, falling on the 25th day of Pascha.

Mid-Pentecost is a one-week feast which begins on the 4th Wednesday of Pascha, and continues until the following Wednesday. Throughout these eight days (including the day of the feast) hymns of Mid-Pentecost are joined to those of the Paschal season.

The theme of the feast is Christ as Teacher, based upon the words from the Gospel of the day (John 7:14-30): “Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught… Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.”

The icon of the feast depicts the young Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem speaking with the Elders (Luke 2:46-47), the first biblical example of Jesus as teacher (Rabbi). In traditional Orthodox icons of this subject, the figure of Jesus is depicted larger than those of the Elders, showing his superior spiritual status.

The Troparion of the Feast hints at the encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan Woman, which will be celebrated on the following Sunday:

In the middle of the Feast, O Savior, fill my thirsting soul with the waters of godliness, as Thou didst cry to all: “If anyone thirst, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37). O Christ God, Fountain of our life, glory be to Thee!

The scripture verse from John 7, quoted by the Troparion, will be read on the day of Pentecost.