The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

"It is in you that He has glorified your name in every generation. It is in you that He will reveal the Redemption that He has prepared for His people in the last days." – High Priest Zacharias, upon receiving the holy Virgin

The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple signifies her total dedication to God and her readiness for her future vocation as the Mother of the Incarnate Lord. This is a feast of anticipation. As honour is shown to Mary, the faithful are called to look forward to the Incarnation of Christ, celebrated in a little more than a month by the Feast of the Nativity on December 25th.

Today, the most pure temple of the Saviour,
the precious bridal chamber and Virgin,
the sacred treasure of God, enters the house of the Lord,
bringing the grace of the Divine Spirit.
The angels of God praise her.
She is the heavenly tabernacle.

Kontakion (4th tone)