On Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May we have services for the Great Feast of Pentecost, the commemoration of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles.  In accordance with Russian Orthodox custom, our small church was beautifully decorated beforehand with green branches and bright flowers, both of which signify the life given to us by the Holy Spirit.  All-night Vigil was served on Saturday evening with the blessing of five loaves, wheat, wine and oil.  It being a Great Feast, our full choir sang at All-night Vigil and again at Divine Liturgy on Sunday.  On the day of the feast our church was full, our parishioners being joined by friends from Sydney and Newcastle.  As is the practice in the Russian Orthodox Church, the faithful held small bouquets of flowers during the Sunday service.  Receiving Holy Communion for the first time were the newly-baptised children Vasilissa and Taisia.  Following Divine Liturgy, Vespers with the three “kneeling prayers” was served, the faithful praying with bended knee for the first time since Pascha.