The Ascension of the Lord
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Luke 24:50, 53; Acts 1:9–12). “And he led them out as far as to Bethany,” relates St. Luke the Evangelist concerning this most glorious event of the Lord’s earthly life, “and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” The Ascension of the Lord into heaven took place on the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away (Acts 1:9–13).
(See Mount of Olives.) The Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven in His humanity, for in His Divinity He always was and remains in heaven. “We have such an high priest,” says St. Paul the Apostle, “who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens” (Heb. 8:1).