In the religious life of ancient Israel, holy convocations were significant gatherings commanded by God, serving as both spiritual and communal events. These convocations were integral to the observance of the three major feasts instituted by God, as outlined in the Torah. Each of these convocations was marked by specific rituals, sacrifices, and a cessation of regular work, emphasizing their sacred nature.

1. Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread: The first of the annual holy convocations was the Passover, followed immediately by the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This convocation commemorated the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage. As recorded in Leviticus 23:5-8 , "The fourteenth day of the first month, at twilight, is the LORD’s Passover. On the fifteenth day of the same month begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. On the first day you are to hold a sacred assembly; you are not to do any ordinary work." This period was a time of remembrance and gratitude, marked by the removal of leaven from homes, symbolizing purity and separation from sin.

2. Feast of Weeks (Pentecost): Fifty days after the Passover, the Israelites celebrated the Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost. This convocation was a harvest festival, thanking God for the firstfruits of the wheat harvest. Leviticus 23:21 states, "On that same day you are to proclaim a sacred assembly, and you must not do any regular work. This is a permanent statute for you wherever you live throughout your generations." The Feast of Weeks was a time of joy and thanksgiving, reflecting the Israelites' dependence on God's provision and their commitment to His covenant.

3. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): The final annual holy convocation was the Feast of Tabernacles, occurring in the seventh month. This feast celebrated the end of the agricultural year and commemorated the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. Leviticus 23:34-36 instructs, "The fifteenth day of this seventh month is the Feast of Tabernacles to the LORD, which lasts seven days. On the first day there shall be a sacred assembly. You must not do any regular work." During this time, the Israelites dwelt in temporary shelters, or booths, as a reminder of God's protection and provision during their journey to the Promised Land.

These three holy convocations were not merely ritualistic observances but were deeply embedded in the spiritual and communal life of Israel. They served as annual reminders of God's faithfulness, the importance of obedience to His commandments, and the unity of the Israelite community under the covenant with Yahweh. Each convocation was a time of reflection, renewal, and recommitment to the God of Israel, who had chosen them as His people.Leviticus 23:1
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
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The Anglican Reform
... They suffered three successive defeats, and the rebellion ... of Cimmunion having received
the sanction of Convocation. ... us see, secondly, how the Holy Eucharist is ...
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