This striking oil painting by Haile Maskel Samuels—titled Parakletos (Pentecost)—vividly captures the descent of the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room, as described in Acts 2. Painted in 2000, this work is steeped in Ethiopian Orthodox tradition and rendered in radiant colours and spiritual reverence.

At the heart of the scene is Saint Mary, seated in the center with hands lifted in prayer. Above her, the white dove of the Holy Spirit descends, while around her the Apostles receive tongues of fire, symbolising the birth of the Church and the fulfilment of Christ’s promise to send the Comforter.

“There appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit...” — Acts 2:3–4

This piece is a timeless reflection on divine presence, spiritual awakening, and communal transformation.