On November 21st in the Holy Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple. Leading the procession into the Temple were virgins with lighted tapers in their hands, then the three-year-old Most-holy Virgin, led by her father and mother. The virgin was clad in vesture of royal magnificence and adornments as was befitting the “King’s daughter, the Bride of God” (Psalm 44:13-15).
Come and Celebrate with us!
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- Great Feast for the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple
- Vesperal (Evening) Divine Liturgy
- Tuesday, November 20th
- 6:00 – 7:30pm
- Event details here…
Following them were many kinsmen and friends, all with lighted tapers. Fifteen steps led up to the Temple. Joachim and Anna lifted the Virgin onto the first step, then she ran quickly to the top herself, where she was met by the High Priest Zachariah, who was to be the father of St. John the Forerunner. Taking her by the hand, he led her not only into the Temple, but into the “Holy of Holies,” the holiest of holy places, into which no one but the high priest ever entered, and only once each year, at that. Zachariah “was outside himself and possessed by God” when he led the Virgin into the holiest place in the Temple, beyond the second curtain—otherwise, his action could not be explained.
The Most-holy Virgin remained in the Temple and dwelt there for nine full years. While her parents were alive, they visited her often. When God called her parents from this world, the Most-holy Virgin was left an orphan and did not wish to leave the Temple until death or to enter into marriage. The Most-holy Virgin Mary was the first of such life-vowed virgins, of the thousands and thousands of virgin men and women who would follow her in the Church of Christ.
Through her intercessions, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us, and save us. Amen.
+Synaxarion of the Feast
- Resources for parents on the Entrance of the Theotokos
- Listen to a homily on the Presentation of the Theotokos
- Read a reflection about the Feast
Originally published in Antiochian.org
Troparion, Tone 4
Today is the prelude of the good will of God, of the preaching of the salvation of mankind. The Virgin appears in the temple of God, in anticipation proclaiming Christ to all. Let us rejoice and sing to her: Rejoice, O Divine Fulfillment of the Creator’s dispensation!
Kontakion, Tone 4
The most pure Temple of the Savior, the precious Chamber and Virgin, the sacred Treasure of the glory of God, is presented today to the House of the Lord. She brings with her the grace of the Spirit, which the angels of God do praise. Truly this woman is the abode of Heaven!
