Trinity Sunday in the United States

Trinity Sunday is a Christian feast that honors the Holy Trinity—the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. It is celebrated on the first Sunday following Pentecost, which occurs 50 days after Easter.

History

The origins of Trinity Sunday date back to the 9th century in Western Christianity and it was universally adopted for the Latin Church after Pope John XXII endorsed it in the 14th century. The feast was introduced to emphasize the doctrine of the Trinity, which can be seen as a response to various theological controversies regarding the nature of God that arose in early Christianity.

Traditions

In the United States, as in other parts of the world where Christianity is practiced, Trinity Sunday does not come with an extensive list of unique secular traditions associated with other religious holidays. Instead, observances are predominantly liturgical and include:

• Special church services: Many churches will have services focused on explaining and contemplating the mystery of the Holy Trinity.
• Readings and hymns: Specific biblical texts are chosen that reference or allude to the Trinitarian belief, accompanied by hymns that celebrate or invoke each Person of the Trinity.
• Creed recitation: The Nicene Creed is commonly recited during church services on this day as a statement of faith in the triune nature of God.

What People Do

For most Americans who observe this day:

• They attend church services where special sermons are delivered concerning the significance of the doctrine of Trinity.
• Some may engage in personal or family prayer focused on contemplating and giving honor to God as Three-in-One.
• Religious education classes might place special emphasis on teaching about this central Christian doctrine.

While for many others who do not observe religious practices, or for those outside Christian traditions, Trinity Sunday may pass without any particular recognition or change in daily routine.