Troparion for the Entry into the Most Holy Temple. Feast of the Entry into the Temple of Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the Temple

The Feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple is celebrated on December 4 (New Art.) and has 1 day of pre-celebration and 4 days of post-celebration.

Introduction to the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The history of its iconography goes back to Byzantine art. In ancient Russian painting, the image of the Introduction has been known since the 11th century. The events unfolded against the background of the conventionally presented Jerusalem Temple. A procession headed by Joachim, Anna (Anna died giving birth to Mary) and their little daughter was headed here. Behind them walked immaculate virgins carrying lighted candles. In the chants translated from Greek into Slavic, the image of a burning candle stood out especially. It symbolized spiritual light - the spiritual enlightenment of humanity. “... The young virgins who bear the candles for the future will sign” - they sang, that is, they prophesy about the future fate of Mary, who will become “the displacer of the impregnable light of the Divine”, from her will be born “enlightenment of knowledge.”
At the entrance to the temple, the future Mother of God is met by an elder dressed in the robes of a high priest - Zachary. The ancient Russian artist learned about what happened next from solemn chants - troparions: “The Virgin clearly appears in the temple of God, and announces Christ to everyone.” The events of the Introduction were prophetic. The high priest Zachary, moved by a spirit unknown to him, “as if amazed,” does the impossible: he introduces the girl Mary into the altar of the temple, where only the high priest could enter, and then only once a year.

Presentation of the Virgin Mary at the Golden Gate of the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Suzdal
Among the most ancient iconographic versions of the Introduction is the composition of the famous Golden Gate of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Suzdal, made by a skilled craftsman using a very rare technique of gold guidance.
It is noteworthy that in all ancient versions the girl Maria is depicted as an adult. Sometimes her image can be found twice: Mary participates in the procession and in the same scene sits on the steps of the temple, taking food from the hands of an Angel. According to legend, the righteous Mary was nourished by Angels sent by God.
Icons of the 17th-18th centuries lost the symbolism of their images and dissolved it in an abundance of everyday details.

At the age of three, Maria first came to the temple.

Everything that is written about this event in the Gospel is not true (invented by Roman priests).
The Jewish temple is such a holy place that ordinary people were never allowed inside the temple. Only priests could enter there. An ordinary person could not get into the temple under any circumstances. Inside the temple there was a room called the “Holy of Holies.” Only the high priest had the right to enter there, and then only once a year during the holiday. Before this, the high priest underwent a long ritual of purification. If the cleansing was incomplete for any reason, then the high priest would face inevitable death in the “Holy of Holies.” To do this, a chain was tied to the high priest’s leg, with which the priests remaining outside could pull the lifeless body out. Anna could not place Mary on the porch of the temple, as it is written in the Gospel, since women were not even allowed near this porch. There were three courtyards in front of the temple. To approach the temple, one had to pass through three gates in succession. Only priests were allowed into the first - closest - courtyard. Only once a year, during a holiday, ordinary men had the right to enter this courtyard along with the priests and see the porch of the temple up close. Only men had the right to be in the second courtyard. Women were only allowed into the farthest third courtyard.

Mary ascended the temple mount with her father Joachim. Together they entered the third women's courtyard of the temple. Here Joachim was supposed to leave the girl and, after praying at the gate, enter the courtyard of the men. Then the unexpected happened. As soon as Joachim let go of Mary’s hand and began to pray, the girl, unexpectedly for everyone, walked through the gate and found herself in the men’s courtyard. Those standing in the yard simply froze at the sight of the girl. This was unheard of sacrilege, everyone froze, afraid to even move. Then, having come to their senses, several people immediately rushed to the offender. And then suddenly, in the middle of a clear sky, thunder roared and drops of rain fell on the ground, although before that the sky was clear and clear. The clergy interpreted this natural phenomenon as God’s anger because the woman had desecrated the temple territory. The girl, who was reputedly possessed by the devil, was forced to kneel for five hours.
This event happened in 17 BC December 4th.

One day, 8-year-old Maria, having had a prophetic dream, predicted to Elizabeth that she would soon have a child. A great future awaits this boy; he will glorify both himself and his parents for centuries. His name will be John. And most importantly, the fate of John will be closely connected with the fate of Mary’s unborn child.
The story made a deep impression on Elizabeth; she immediately believed in this prediction. When Elizabeth turned to Simeon, who was traveling in those parts, he confirmed to her that Mary told the truth.
Simeon loved Mary just like her mother Anna. He often visited the amazing girl, talked with her about God, about life, about people, about everything in the world. Maria always looked forward to these meetings with excitement. From her relatives and from Simeon himself, she knew that some kind of unusual future awaited her, and therefore, from early childhood, she was waiting for some kind of miracle, she lived by this premonition and strongly, strongly believed that everything would be just right for her. - different, different from everyone else.
It was difficult for Mary to live in Elizabeth's house. Elizabeth was distinguished by an unbalanced character; she could, for no apparent reason, yell at her, scold her, punish her, or hit her. But still, Mary always remained smiling and was not offended by Elizabeth. Elizabeth's husband Zacharias, on the contrary, treated this dream with distrust. What kind of child can we talk about if Elizabeth is already 56 years old, and Zachary himself is over 60. When two years later, Elizabeth told her husband that she was pregnant, he almost choked with joy.

The Bible says that Zechariah was a priest. And the fact that when he was serving in the temple, an angel appeared to him with the news that Elizabeth would soon give birth to a child and “many would rejoice at his birth.” Zechariah doubted this, and then the angel said to him: “From now on you will be dumb until what I told you comes true.” Zechariah was speechless and only after the birth of his son found the gift of speech.
In fact, Zechariah was not a priest. At the age of two he caught a bad cold. His life hung in the balance, and he simply miraculously survived, but was speechless. According to Jewish law, a person with a physical disability could not be a priest. Zechariah was "appointed" as a priest by the Romans in 325, when they were revising the Gospel of Luke. Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, was in fact a simple cattle breeder.

Mary in the Roman Temple

After the death of her father Joachim, 10-year-old Maria was left an orphan. According to the laws of the time, Jewish adults paid tribute to the Romans, and orphans unable to pay taxes were forced to work for the Roman priests.
At that time, Judea was part of the Roman Empire. In the conquered country, the Romans behaved like masters. In every major settlement there were military garrisons, which were maintained at the expense of local residents. Thousands of Roman priests arrived in Judea along with the military. In every city, the first thing they did was build Roman temples. The conquered peoples had to gradually accept the religion of the victors and forget about their faith. The Romans tried to introduce their religion in a non-violent way. Temples were not only religious institutions - each temple was actually a serious economic structure. The temples had their own pastures, arable land, and gardens. livestock and free labor from among local residents and captured slaves. Every Jewish city had a Roman temple, but the Jews had only one temple - in Jerusalem.

Mary lived near the Roman temple in Nazareth and worked for the Romans for free until her marriage.
Two days passed after Mary moved from Tarichea to Nazareth, when, unexpectedly for everyone, the girl began to lament and cry bitterly. When asked what happened, she replied that she was crying for the rector of the temple, who would soon die. Mary's words caused general surprise and alarm. Three days later, the 55-year-old rector of the temple suddenly developed a fever, and by the end of the day he died from an unknown illness. No one could do anything to help him.

After this incident, the Romans simply began to fear Mary. It was decided to keep her away from people and not let her outside the temple. They began to carefully monitor and spy on Maria, trying to prevent her from contacting ordinary people. Like other orphans, Maria worked for the temple - milking goats and caring for livestock. Gradually she got used to the idea that her whole life would be spent here, near the temple.
Over time, the Romans got used to Mary and even asked her for advice - what the weather would be like, when it was better to sow crops, when to harvest them. All of Mary's predictions came true with great accuracy.
Cm. .

According to legend, based on the words of the holy martyrs Dionysius the Areopagite († October 3, 96) and Ignatius the God-Bearer († December 20, 107), St. Ambrose of Milan in his work “On Virgins” wrote about the Mother of God: “She was a Virgin not only in body , but also in soul, humble in heart, careful in words, prudent, reticent, a lover of reading, hardworking, chaste in speech. Her rules were not to offend anyone, to be kind to everyone, to honor elders, not to envy equals, to avoid boasting, to be sensible, to love virtue. When did She even offend her parents with her facial expression, when she disagreed with her relatives? When did you become proud in front of a modest person, laugh at the weak, shy away from the poor? She had nothing stern in her eyes, nothing imprudent in her words, nothing indecent in her actions: modest body movements, quiet gait, even voice; so Her bodily appearance was an expression of the soul, the personification of purity. She turned all Her days into fasting: She indulged in sleep only at the request of need, but even then, while Her body was at rest, She was awake in spirit, repeating what she read in her sleep, or reflecting on the fulfillment of assumed intentions, or delineating new ones. She only left the house to go to church, and then only in the company of her relatives. However, although She appeared outside Her house, accompanied by others, She Herself was the best guardian for Herself; others guarded only Her body, and She preserved Her morals Herself.” According to legend preserved by the church historian Nicephorus Callistus (14th century), the Mother of God “was of average height or, as others say, slightly more than average; golden hair; eyes are fast, with pupils the color of olives; the eyebrows are arched and moderately black, the nose is oblong, the lips are flowering, full of sweet speeches; the face is not round and not sharp, but somewhat oblong; her hands and fingers are long... She maintained decorum in conversations with others, did not laugh, did not become indignant, and was not especially angry; completely artless, simple, She did not think at all about Herself and, far from effeminacy, was distinguished by complete humility. Regarding the clothes that She wore, She was content with their natural color, which is still proven by Her sacred head covering. In short, a special grace was revealed in all Her actions.” (Nicephorus Callistus borrowed his description from St. Epiphanius of Cyprus, († May 12, 403); Letter to Theophilus about icons. The translation of the text of St. Epiphanius is placed in the Great Chetiy-Menaia of Metropolitan Macarius. M., 1868, September, P. 363).

Holy Vvedensky Cathedral. Holy Vvedensky Island Monastery.

Troparion of the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Voice 4
On the day of God’s favor, the transfiguration / and the preaching of the salvation of men: / in the temple of God the Virgin clearly appears / and announces Christ to everyone. / To that we too will cry out loudly: / Rejoice, O looker / / Creator’s fulfillment.

Kontakion of the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary

voice 4
The Most Pure Temple of the Savior, / the valuable palace and the Virgin, / the sacred treasure of the glory of God, / is today introduced into the house of the Lord, bringing grace, / Even in the Divine Spirit, / Even the Angels of God sing // This is the village of Heaven.

Glorification of the Most Holy Theotokos in honor of Her introduction into the Temple

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in honor of Her introduction into the Temple

Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in Honor of Her Introduction into the Temple

Kontakion 1
Chosen by the Eternal King of the Virgin Mary, the Queen of Angels and men, who sometimes came to the Temple of the Lord in the Holy of Holies, to betroth her virginity to the Heavenly Bridegroom, to be raised in God’s dwelling, we diligently offer worthy worship to You. You, as our powerful Intercessor, free us from all troubles and sorrows, and with love and tenderness we cry out to You:

Ikos 1
The faces of Archangels and Angels from the heavenly heights flocked to see Thy glorious, O Mother of God, into the temple of the Lord, the Introduction, and together with the earthly face of pure virgins, the invisible face of disembodied minds walked with joy, Thee, the Most Pure Virgin, accompanying and, like a vessel chosen by God, by the command of the Lord surrounding, and, as if I served my Lady, even though I did not know the mystery of Your power, seeing You, I was indescribably filled with heavenly purity, and everything that was seen about You, I was horrified and with fear, many hastened to You like this:
Rejoice, overjoyed Virgin, Mother of the Tsareva who had to be; Rejoice, you who are preferred to the Queen, who will live in the temple of the Kings.
Rejoice, chosen and exalted Daughter of God the Father; Rejoice, Mother of God the Son, foretold from the ages.
Rejoice, O Bride of God the All-Holy Spirit, unartificed; Rejoice, most beloved Lady of all creation, visible and invisible.
Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 2
Seeing Thy righteous parents, O Most Holy Virgin, having been fulfilled for three years since Thy birth, they desire to fulfill in deed their promise, which they first uttered in words, that they may bring Thee as a gift to God, for this purpose they called to Nazareth all their relatives from the royal and bishop's family, and the priests many, inviting the face of pure virgins, and accompanying You with burning candles, as Scripture predicted: “Virgins will be brought to the King in Her wake, Her sincere ones will be brought to You, they will be brought in joy and joy, they will be brought into the temple of the Kings.” And so they all joined together and prayed to God for You, hurrying to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 2
Opening the Heavenly Mind, You were pleased with the Mother of God, because you would not appear in poor rags at the temple of the Heavenly King, for this reason you were dressed with much glory and beauty, so that the prophecy of David of Your forefather may be fulfilled on You: “The Queen appears at Your right hand, in robes of gold the garment is full of speckles." When, as the Bride of God, You were adorned and everything was worthy of Your all-honorable Presentation, Your parent brought You like a three-year-old lamb to Jerusalem, singing to You like this:
Rejoice, clothed in the golden robe of virginity and purity; Rejoice, adorned with all the goodness of heavenly beauty.
Rejoice, Daughter of the Tsar, who possesses all the virgin glory within You; Rejoice, Bride of God, present yourself at the right hand of the Heavenly Bridegroom.
Rejoice, animated by the ark of God, in the midst of the virgin tympanis you arrange your processions; Rejoice, most pure Temple of the Savior, direct your lawful path to the temple.
Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 3
The power of the Most High Autumn of You and the Holy Spirit came upon You and became Your Leader, when after three days of travel you reached the city of Jerusalem, and like the ark of God you were led to the temple of the Lord, the Virgin Mary, so that the word of the Psalm might be fulfilled, saying: “The procession was seen.” Thine, O God, are the processions of my God the King, who is in the Holy Place." And so for the great heavenly purity of Yours, the temple of God was worthy of being, where the Holy Spirit, who wants to live, may make You His Dwelling, a heavenly settlement, so that another Scripture may be fulfilled on You, saying: “Thou hast sanctified Thy village, O Most High, Holy is Thy temple, Lord, marvelous in righteousness,” for this sake let us sing everything about You: Alleluia.

Ikos 3
For three years, O Most Holy Virgin, Thou wast brought to the temple, and Thy holy parents, from one country and from another, took Thy hand, His God-given Daughter, meekly and honestly leading Thee to the temple, saying: “Begin Illustrious virgins, go before the Virgin Mary." Still, many known relatives and neighbors and the priest followed with joy, holding candles in their hands, and surrounding Thee, like the stars and the bright moon. And all Jerusalem came together, seeing this new arrival with amazement, the Three-year-old Maiden, clothed with such glory and revered with such light, and hurried to You like this:
Rejoice, triflant in body, widest of heavens; Rejoice, perennial in spirit, exceeding the powers above.
Rejoice, Immaculate Lamb, who offered her virginity to God as a pure sacrifice; Rejoice, Undefiled Dove, who surprised the Angels with Her purity.
Rejoice, brought to the Lord with virgin faces; Rejoice, you who were led to the temple with burning lamps.
Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 4
Having a storm of doubtful thoughts inside, the High Priest Zechariah was dismayed, in vain Your, Most Pure One, will lead you to the temple of the Lord with much glory and to the gates to the east who see the closed beings approaching. When I remember Ezekiel’s ancient prophecy: “This gate will be shut and no one will pass through it, as the Lord God will pass through it, and it will be closed.” Having been filled with the Holy Spirit and having received revelation from above, let the closed gate open to the brought Virgin Mary, cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 4
“Hear, O Daughters, and see, and incline Your ear, and forget Your people and Your father’s house, and the King will desire Your kindness.” This is what I said to You, O Most Holy Virgin, Your parents, when You were brought to the temple of the Lord. The priests performing the services, having seen Your coming, came out to meet Your glorious Presentation, and with songs they received You, as the Mother who had to be the Bishop of the Great Heaven Who Has Passed, saying:
Rejoice, transfiguration of God's favor, prophets foretold; Rejoice, preaching of the salvation of men, now revealed to us.
Rejoice, escorted in glory by the Heavenly Angels; Rejoice, welcomed by the priests of God with joy.
Rejoice, forsaken Thy father's house and Thy people; Rejoice, you who sanctified the house of God by Your appearance.
Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 5
The former temple of God, the Virgin Mother of God, was led to the legitimate temple with much glory, so that the prophecy of Haggai the prophet would be fulfilled: “And I will fill this temple with glory, beyond great will be the glory of this last temple greater than the first, says the Lord Almighty.” Your Mother will bring You to the church entrance, saying: Come, Daughters, to Whom You bestowed upon me. Come, O Irk of consecration, to the blessed Lady. Come, Door of Life, to the Merciful Giver. Come, O Irk of the Word, to the temple of the Lord. Come into the Church of the Lord, peace and joy, and let me sing to God about You: Alleluia.

Ikos 5
Having seen Your mother, the Virgin Mother of God, the priests of God leaving the temple, and the great Saint Zechariah, at Your coming meeting, he spoke to him: “Receive, Zechariah, the Undefiled Canopy; receive, O priest, the Immaculate Ark; receive, prophetically, the Censer of the immaterial Coal; "Receive, O righteous man, the Spiritual Censer. Receive, O prophet, my God-given Daughter, and bring thy Creator into the temple, and bring her in, plant her in the mountain of the shrine, in the ready dwelling of God, testing nothing, for for her sake there will be deliverance," with her and we will cry out to You like this:
Rejoice, who rejoiced the heavenly faces with Your entry; Rejoice, priests of God, who rejoiced at Your appearance.
Rejoice, Heavenly Village, you who sanctified the lawful temple more than the first with grace; Rejoice, earthly heaven, having prepared for yourself the dwelling of Christ with purity.
Rejoice, Bride of God, for Your presence is great and wondrous; Rejoice, O Pure Virgin, for how fearful and glorious is Your dwelling in the temple.
Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 6
The preacher of Your entry into the temple of the Lord, the righteous Zechariah, was greatly surprised when he saw You, the Virgin Mother of God, along the church stairs, having fifteen degrees, a wondrous ascent: having been placed by Your former parents on the first degree, You flowed about Yourself to other degrees quickly, no one supported and ascended to the highest degree, you became strengthened by the invisible power of God; Saint Zechariah, seeing this, was embraced by the Spirit of God and the speech of Your mother: “Blessed is the Fruit of your womb, O woman, glorious is your bringing: for you bring forth the true Mother of life, how can the temple accommodate You?” Having also thanked God, he sang to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 6
Great joy arose to all those coming to the lawful temple, when the great saint Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, received Thee, O Mother of God, before the church gates, holding his hand, and leading Thee into the sanctuary, speaking to Thee like this: “Oh, Undefiled Youth! Oh, Virgin of the Heavenly One! Oh, Beautiful Maiden! Oh, decoration for wives! Oh, fertilizer for my daughters! You are Blessed among women, You are glorified by purity, You are sealed with virginity, You are the resolution of Adam’s vows. Come, the fulfillment of my prophecy. Come, fulfillment of the promises of the Lord. Come, seal of that covenant. Come, the expression of That council. Come, the fulfillment of the Mysteries. Come, Mirror of all prophets. Come, renewal of the promised. Come, Light in the darkness of those who lie. Come, newest and most Divine gift. Enter with joy into the church of Your Lord, now into the valley, the entrance of men, not by many into the mountainous and inaccessible.” With him we too will sing to You:
Rejoice, animated Ladder, who ascended to the temple of the Lord along the level of the high ladder; Rejoice, Door, impenetrable by human thoughts, who entered into the door of the temple.
Rejoice, for through the degree of virtues you have risen to the height of the Heavenly Altar; Rejoice, for on the wings of virginity and purity you have reached the City of the Great King.
Rejoice, reaching the House of God on the top of the mountain; Rejoice, gate that has passed through the prisoner.
Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 7
Although the Lord is a lover of mankind to save the human race, He chose You as His only Mother and brought You into His holy temple, and there, in solitude and deep silence, far from the temptations of this world, you were brought up in the shrine of the Lord in God’s dwelling. But you, playing and greatly rejoicing, as if in the devil, you walked in the house of the Lord, even though you were small in age, three years old, yet you were perfect by grace, as if you were foreknown and chosen from God before the foundation of the world, and there you sang to Him : Alleluia.

Ikos 7
The Lord, O God-gracious One, created a new, wondrous and terrible thing for You, when the great saint Zechariah, being beside himself, by the mysterious revelation of God, brought You beyond the law behind the second veil, into the inner tabernacle, called the holy of holies, where not specifically the female sex, but below the priest it is fitting to enter, but only as one single Bishop into the summer; It is fitting for You, as the Animated Ark of God, even before conception, more than any nature full of purity, to stand in the place of the lawful Ark of God, the hidden Jeremiah, so that the temple of the Lord may again be filled with glory. This wonderful entry of Yours is visible, we cry out to You like this:
Rejoice, in the Holy of Holies, as you have ascended to earthly heaven; Rejoice, great holy of holies, as you have presented yourself to the Throne of God.
Rejoice, you astonished the Angels, how gloriously you ascended into the Holy of Holies; Rejoice, thou who has made men glad, for thou hast filled the temple of the Lord with glory.
Rejoice, Most Red Drawing, in which the Most Essential One makes the dwelling of the Holy Trinity; Rejoice, Most Holy Throne, on Him the Divine One is preparing to sit in the flesh.
Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 8
Strange is Your conception and Nativity, strange is the image of Your growth, strange and glorious, Bride of God, Your introduction into the sanctuary, and your constant presence in prayer, and everything that is Your essence: from the morning, even until the third hour, You stood all day in prayer inside the Sanctuary, therefore, with the other virgins in the vestibule, you practiced handicrafts; from the ninth hour, in the temple in the Holy of Holies, you stood before God in prayer, in the contemplation of God, and in the teaching of the Divine Scriptures, until the Angel of the Lord appeared to nourish You with heavenly food. Marveling at such an equal life with Your angels, we cry out to God, who was so well pleased with You: Alleluia.

Ikos 8
Bless you all, the All-Holy Spirit, who dwells inside the temple, O Most Holy Virgin. For this reason, let nothing from earthly defilement touch You, you were nourished by heavenly and incorruptible food, and you distributed the earthly food served to the poor and strange. And so, having received heavenly bread from the Angel all day, you have prospered in wisdom and grace, rejoicing in body and spirit, so that you may immaculately contain the inconceivable Word of God. And the Archangel Gabriel was the persistent guardian of Your virgin purity and often appeared to You with other Angels of God, strengthening You in spiritual struggles, in prayer and fasting, in meekness and humility and kindly conversing with You, revealing the Eternal Council of the Most High about You, so that you would be ready for acceptance of God, this cry to You:
Rejoice, wonderful fulfillment of the ineffable mysteries of God; Rejoice, all-wonderful accomplishment of the Eternal Council of the Most High.
Rejoice, indescribably raised by heavenly bread from the Angel; Rejoice, strengthened beyond words by the grace of God from heaven.
Rejoice, even as the many eyes of the Cherubim are placed in the Holy of Holies; Rejoice, the six-winged Seraphim continually converse with Neyuzhe.
Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 9
Every angelic nature was amazed at the great beauty of Your virginity, O All-Holy Virgin. You are with the Angels in the Holy of Holies, You Yourself desired to live forever in the purity of the angels and Your undamaged virginity. For this reason, you were the first in the world to take a vow of virginity and betrothed yourself to eternal service to God in the purity of maidenhood, and you were ignorant of Him, so that by the Holy Spirit you would be prepared into a pure and incorruptible village of the Word of God, singing to Him day and night: Alleluia.

Ikos 9
The oracles of God's words cannot speak, in which utter the mystery of Thy life in the purity of virginity in the temple, O Theotokos, Thy growing years, for Thou art strengthened day by day in spirit, and Thy life was most mobile and extended: with diligence, for Thou didst multiply prayer, going from strength to strength , Dondezhe The Power of the Most High Autumn Ty. I also grew in You the gifts of the Holy Spirit: when you came to a greater age, you practiced more in prayer than in handicrafts, and you spent entire nights in prayer with the Angels behind the second veil. For this reason, with surprise, we call You this:
Rejoice, Holy of Holies, Most Holy Virgin, who offered Her pure virginity to God as a sacrifice; Rejoice, purest Palato of the Holy Spirit, who raised Herself in the habitation of Christ.
Rejoice, Door of Heaven, in the temple, as if you were in heaven; Rejoice, Goro, imbued with the Spirit, flourishing in the sanctuary with all virtues.
Rejoice, even as the Angels of God deliver their messages faithfully; Rejoice, for all the faithful always praise with gratitude.
Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 10
The joyful spring of our salvation has risen with all the ends of the glorious earth for the sake of Your Entry into the Temple, O Theotokos. Scripture is mimimoid and the law is impoverished, like the canopy that entered You into the temple of God, the Pure Virgin, the rays of grace arose to all, enlightening the souls and thoughts of all who sit in the darkness of ignorance. For this reason, let heaven and earth rejoice, Heaven can see the future, and let many angels and men cry out: joy and deliverance are brought into the temple to all who cry: Alleluia.

Ikos 10
Thou art a wall to the virgins who labor in the purity of virginity in the monasteries, O Virgin Mother of God, having made a vow of virginity to God in the temple, Thou hast marvelously preserved it, and having reached the age of twelve, when other virgins living at the temple were married according to the lawful custom, Thou art revealed The secret of Your promise, for the sake of it, was given to Elder Joseph for the preservation of virginity, indicated by God by the flight of a dove from his staff. And thus, having clothed yourself with the complete goodness of virginity, as the Bride of God, You bestow Your service in purity to all who perform the gifts of Your meek and silent spirit, Your silence, humility and unspeakable purity, so that all who are saved by You will sing to You with thanksgiving:
Rejoice, unceasing in prayers in the temple of the Lord, do not let us fall asleep in sin; Rejoice, abiding in silence in the Holy of Holies, grant us to live in the silence of a more animal life.
Rejoice, ever interlocutor with the Angels in the sanctuary, teach us who are disembodied to listen with the verb; Rejoice, cohabitant with the pure virgins at the temple, help us to live our lives in virginity and purity.
Rejoice, animated Temple of the Living God, create us temples of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, O Thou who art all-dear to all good deeds, strengthen us in all the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 11
All-touching singing from unearthly music is offered to You, Most Holy Virgin, holy Angels, serving Your virginal Presentation and creating joy and heavenly voices, entering into Your service of God, with whom on earth from the songs of men the virgin faces of the Lord sing, psalmically chanting and honoring You, His Mother. With them, grant us with pure minds and undefiled lips to sing about Your honest Introduction: Alleluia.

Ikos 11
The light-receiving light shone for us, O Mother of God, having come to the temple of the Lord, the greatest joy was there shining and burning in prayer in the Holy of Holies, from there you shone with heavenly purity to the whole world, which dwells in the darkness of sin, and we too with the luminous virgins, to the temple of the Lord those who spent a bright time with the glory of virginity, we will greet You joyfully, in the light of purity of soul and body, shining, and we will sing the following praises to You:
Rejoice, unquenchable Light, kindled into the sanctuary, escorted by the luminous virgins; Rejoice, never-ending Dawn, who has covered the whole world, who is greeted by the bright Angels in the temple.
Rejoice, Lamp of heavenly glory, Who shone an unflattering light in the temple to all; Rejoice, O Devil of God's grace, who received the bread of words from the hand of an Angel.
Rejoice, Mother of Light, coming to be, enlightening everyone with the light of Your purity; Rejoice, Mother, quiet radiance of Light, comforting everyone with the warmth of Your prayers.
Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 12
The grace of God is a new and animated ark of existence, Virgin Mother of God, in which, instead of sensual manna and material tablets, the immaterial inexhaustible gifts of God are contained, you were worthily introduced into the Holy of Holies, as if you were to contain the fleshly Beginning Word of God, where the Powers of Heaven serve You, the fear of the Cherubim and The flaming love Seraphim overshadowed You with their wings, Thrones and Dominions, Beginnings, Powers and Powers, fell to You from the Archangels and Angels, crying out for You: Alleluia.

Ikos 12
Singing Your most honorable Entry into the Temple of the Lord, we praise all Your wonderfulness in the Holy of Holies with the Angels’ presence and heavenly bread, we worship Your equal-angelic virgin purity, Mother of God, and believe that You came from an earthly house to the house of God, like a pure sacrifice, like a gift consecrated for the betrothal of your virginity to the Heavenly Bridegroom, so that you may prepare yourself worthily for the incorruptible and pure Nativity of Christ in God’s dwelling. Therefore, as a believer, let us say to you:
Rejoice, thou who sanctified the temple of the Lord with Thy most pure feet; Rejoice, you who have washed the dwelling of God from the desecration of sinners.
Rejoice, in the holy temple, as in heaven, you received the worship of the Heavenly Powers; Rejoice, in the Holy of Holies, as in heaven, you presented yourself to the Throne of God.
Rejoice, Beautiful Maiden, who brought peace to the whole world by Your coming from the home of fathers to the temple; Rejoice, new Dove, who first gave hope to the righteous in the underworld by entering the temple.
Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 13
Oh, All-Singing Mother of God, who came to the temple of the Lord to be educated in the Holy of Holies in God’s dwelling, today we receive offerings at Your all-honorable Introduction, deliver us from all sorrow, and misfortune, and temptations of the enemy, cleanse us from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit and save us until our end in chastity and purity, yes, sanctified by You, we will be worthy of being introduced into the abode of paradise with the wise virgins, with them may we sing about You to God: Alleluia.

This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “The faces of Archangels and Angels...” and the 1st kontakion “Chosen by the Eternal King...”.

Prayer

O Most Holy Virgin, Queen of heaven and earth, before the ages the chosen Bride of God, who in recent times came to the lawful temple to betrothal to the heavenly Bridegroom! You left Your people and Your father’s house in order to offer Yourself a pure and immaculate sacrifice to God, and You were the first to take a vow of perpetual virginity. Grant us also to keep ourselves in chastity and purity and in the passion of God all the days of our lives, so that we may be temples of the Holy Spirit, and especially help everyone who, in imitation of Yours, lives in the monasteries and who have betrothed themselves to the service of God, to lead their lives in the purity of virginity and from youth to bear the good and easy yoke of Christ, holyly keeping one’s vows. You spent, O All-Pure One, all the days of Your youth in the temple of the Lord, far from the temptations of this world, in constant vigil in prayer and in all mental and physical abstinence, so help us to repel all the temptations of the enemy from the flesh, the world and the devil that come upon us from our youth, and overcome it through prayer and fasting. You, in the temple of the Lord with the angels abiding, have been adorned with all the virtues, especially with humility, purity and love, and you have been brought up worthily, so that you will be ready to accommodate the incontainable Word of God in your flesh. Grant us, too, possessed by pride, intemperance and laziness, to be clothed in all spiritual perfection, so that each of us, with Your help, may prepare from us the wedding robe of our souls and the oil of good deeds, so that we may appear, without naz and unprepared, to meet our immortal Bridegroom and Thy Son, Christ. , Our Savior and God, but may He receive us with the wise virgins in the abode of paradise, where, with all the saints, grant us to glorify and glorify the all-holy name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and Your merciful intercession always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Troparion, tone 4

Today is the day of God's favor, the transfiguration and the preaching of the salvation of men: in the temple of God the Virgin clearly appears and announces Christ to everyone. To that we too will loudly cry out: Rejoice, fulfillment of the Creator’s vision.

Kontakion, tone 4

The most pure temple of the Savior, the valuable palace and the Virgin, the sacred treasure of the glory of God, is today introduced into the house of the Lord, conferring grace, even in the Divine Spirit, even as the angels of God sing: This is the village of heaven.

Greatness

We magnify You, Most Holy Virgin, God-chosen Youth, and honor Your entry into the Temple of the Lord.

Introduction to the Temple of the Virgin Mary

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the temple.
- April 7.

- October 14.

Copyright © 2015 Unconditional love

Ikos 1

Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 2

Seeing Thy righteous parents, O Most Holy Virgin, having been fulfilled for three years since Thy birth, they desire to fulfill in deed their promise, which they first uttered in words, that they may bring Thee as a gift to God, for this purpose they called to Nazareth all their relatives from the royal and bishop's family, and the priests many, inviting the face of pure virgins, and accompanying You with burning candles, as Scripture predicted: “Virgins will be brought to the King in Her wake, Her sincere ones will be brought to You, they will be brought in joy and joy, they will be brought into the temple of the Kings.” And so they all joined together and prayed to God for You, hurrying to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Opening the Heavenly Mind, You were pleased with the Mother of God, because you would not appear in poor rags at the temple of the Heavenly King, for this reason you were dressed with much glory and beauty, so that the prophecy of David of Your forefather may be fulfilled on You: “The Queen appears at Your right hand, in robes of gold the garment is full of speckles.” When, as the Bride of God, You were adorned and everything was worthy of Your all-honorable Presentation, Your parent brought You like a three-year-old lamb to Jerusalem, singing to You like this:

Rejoice, clothed in the golden robe of virginity and purity; Rejoice, adorned with all the goodness of heavenly beauty.

Rejoice, Daughter of the Tsar, who possesses all the virgin glory within You; Rejoice, Bride of God, present yourself at the right hand of the Heavenly Bridegroom.

Rejoice, animated by the ark of God, in the midst of the virgin tympanis you arrange your processions; Rejoice, most pure Temple of the Savior, direct your lawful path to the temple.

Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 3

The power of the Most High Autumn of You and the Holy Spirit came upon You and became Your Leader, when after three days of travel you reached the city of Jerusalem, and as if you were led by the ark of God to the temple of the Lord, the Virgin Mary, that the word of the Psalm might be fulfilled, saying: “The procession was seen.” Thine, O God, are the processions of my God the King, who is in the Holy One.” And so, for the great heavenly purity of Yours, the temple of God was worthy of being, where the Holy Spirit, who wants to live, may make You His Dwelling, a heavenly settlement, so that another Scripture may be fulfilled on You, saying: “Thou hast sanctified Thy village, O Most High, Holy is Thy temple, Lord, marvelous in righteousness,” for this sake let us sing everything about You: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

For three years, the Most Holy Virgin, You were brought to the temple, and Your holy parents, from one country and from another, took You by the hands, His God-given Daughter, meekly and honestly leading You to the temple, saying: “Begin Illustrious virgins, go before the Virgin Mary.” Still, many known relatives and neighbors and the priest followed with joy, holding candles in their hands, and surrounding Thee, like the stars and the bright moon. And all Jerusalem came together, seeing this new arrival with amazement, the Three-year-old Maiden, clothed with such glory and revered with such light, and hurried to You like this:

Rejoice, triflant in body, widest of heavens; Rejoice, perennial in spirit, exceeding the powers above.

Rejoice, Immaculate Lamb, who offered her virginity to God as a pure sacrifice; Rejoice, Undefiled Dove, who surprised the Angels with Her purity.

Rejoice, brought to the Lord with virgin faces; Rejoice, you who were led to the temple with burning lamps.

Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 4

Having a storm of doubtful thoughts inside, the High Priest Zechariah was dismayed, in vain Your, Most Pure One, will lead you to the temple of the Lord with much glory and to the gates to the east who see the closed beings approaching. When I remember Ezekiel’s ancient prophecy: “This gate will be shut and no one will pass through it, just as the Lord God will pass through it, and it will be closed.” Having been filled with the Holy Spirit and having received revelation from above, let the closed gate open to the brought Virgin Mary, cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

“Hear, O Daughters, and see, and incline Your ear, and forget Your people and Your father’s house, and the King will desire Your kindness.” This is what I said to You, O Most Holy Virgin, Your parents, when You were brought to the temple of the Lord. The priests performing the services, having seen Your coming, came out to meet Your glorious Presentation, and with songs they received You, as the Mother who had to be the Bishop of the Great Heaven Who Has Passed, saying:

Rejoice, transfiguration of God's favor, prophets foretold; Rejoice, preaching of the salvation of men, now revealed to us.

Rejoice, escorted in glory by the Heavenly Angels; Rejoice, welcomed by the priests of God with joy.

Rejoice, forsaken Thy father's house and Thy people; Rejoice, you who sanctified the house of God by Your appearance.

Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 5

The former temple of God, the Virgin Mother of God, was led to the legitimate temple with much glory, so that the prophecy of Haggai the prophet would be fulfilled: “And I will fill this temple with glory, beyond great will be the glory of this last temple greater than the first, says the Lord Almighty.” Your Mother will bring You to the church entrance, saying: Come, Daughters, to Whom You bestowed upon me. Come, O Irk of consecration, to the blessed Lady. Come, Door of Life, to the Merciful Giver. Come, O Irk of the Word, to the temple of the Lord. Enter into the Church of the Lord, peace and joy, and let me sing to God about You: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Having seen Your mother, the Virgin Mother of God, the priests of God leaving the temple, and the great saint Zechariah, at Your coming meeting, they spoke to him: “Receive, Zechariah, the Undefiled Shade; accept, priest, the Immaculate Ark; accept, prophet, the Censer of immaterial Coal; accept, O righteous one, the Spiritual Censer. Receive, O prophet, my God-given Daughter and bring her into the temple of your Creator, and bring her into the mountain of holiness, in the ready dwelling of God, testing nothing, for for her sake there will be deliverance,” and with her we will cry out to You like this:

Rejoice, who rejoiced the heavenly faces with Your entry; Rejoice, priests of God, who rejoiced at Your appearance.

Rejoice, Heavenly Village, you who sanctified the lawful temple more than the first with grace; Rejoice, earthly heaven, having prepared for yourself the dwelling of Christ with purity.

Rejoice, Bride of God, for Your presence is great and wondrous; Rejoice, O Pure Virgin, for how fearful and glorious is Your dwelling in the temple.

Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 6

The preacher of Your entry into the temple of the Lord, the righteous Zechariah, was greatly surprised when he saw You, the Virgin Mother of God, along the church stairs, having fifteen degrees, a wondrous ascent: having been placed by Your former parents on the first degree, You flowed about Yourself to other degrees quickly, no one supported and ascended to the highest degree, you became strengthened by the invisible power of God; Saint Zechariah, seeing this, was embraced by the Spirit of God and the speech of Your mother: “Blessed is the Fruit of your womb, O woman, glorious is your bringing: for you bring forth the true Mother of life, how can the temple accommodate You?” Having also thanked God, he sang to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Great joy arose to all those coming to the lawful temple, when the great saint Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, received Thee, O Mother of God, before the church gates, holding his hand, and leading Thee into the sanctuary, speaking to Thee like this: “Oh, Undefiled Youth! Oh, Virgin of the Heavenly One! Oh, Beautiful Maiden! Oh, decoration for wives! Oh, fertilizer for my daughters! You are Blessed among women, You are glorified by purity, You are sealed with virginity, You are the resolution of Adam’s vows. Come, the fulfillment of my prophecy. Come, fulfillment of the promises of the Lord. Come, seal of that covenant. Come, the expression of That council. Come, the fulfillment of the Mysteries. Come, Mirror of all prophets. Come, renewal of the promised. Come, Light in the darkness of those who lie. Come, newest and most Divine gift. Enter with joy into the church of Your Lord, now into the valley, the entrance of men, not by many into the mountainous and inaccessible.” With him we too will sing to You:

Rejoice, animated Ladder, who ascended to the temple of the Lord along the level of the high ladder; Rejoice, Door, impenetrable by human thoughts, who entered into the door of the temple.

Rejoice, for through the degree of virtues you have risen to the height of the Heavenly Altar; Rejoice, for on the wings of virginity and purity you have reached the City of the Great King.

Rejoice, reaching the House of God on the top of the mountain; Rejoice, gate that has passed through the prisoner.

Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 7

Although the Lord is a lover of mankind to save the human race, He chose You as His only Mother and brought You into His holy temple, and there, in solitude and deep silence, far from the temptations of this world, you were brought up in the shrine of the Lord in God’s dwelling. But you, playing and greatly rejoicing, as if in the devil, you walked in the house of the Lord, even though you were small in age, three years old, yet you were perfect by grace, as if you were foreknown and chosen from God before the foundation of the world, and there you sang to Him : Alleluia.

Ikos 7

The Lord, O God-gracious One, created a new, wondrous and terrible thing for You, when the great saint Zechariah, being beside himself, by the mysterious revelation of God, brought You beyond the law behind the second veil, into the inner tabernacle, called the holy of holies, where not specifically the female sex, but below the priest it is fitting to enter, but only as one single Bishop into the summer; It is fitting for You, as the Animated Ark of God, even before conception, more than any nature full of purity, to stand in the place of the lawful Ark of God, the hidden Jeremiah, so that the temple of the Lord may again be filled with glory. This wonderful entry of Yours is visible, we cry out to You like this:

Rejoice, in the Holy of Holies, as you have ascended to earthly heaven; Rejoice, great holy of holies, as you have presented yourself to the Throne of God.

Rejoice, you astonished the Angels, how gloriously you ascended into the Holy of Holies; Rejoice, thou who has made men glad, for thou hast filled the temple of the Lord with glory.

Rejoice, Most Red Drawing, in which the Most Essential One makes the dwelling of the Holy Trinity; Rejoice, Most Holy Throne, on Him the Divine One is preparing to sit in the flesh.

Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 8

Strange is Your conception and Nativity, strange is the image of Your growth, strange and glorious, Bride of God, Your introduction into the sanctuary, and your constant presence in prayer, and everything that is Your essence: from the morning, even until the third hour, You stood all day in prayer inside the Sanctuary, therefore, with the other virgins in the vestibule, you practiced handicrafts; from the ninth hour, in the temple in the Holy of Holies, you stood before God in prayer, in the contemplation of God, and in the teaching of the Divine Scriptures, until the Angel of the Lord appeared to nourish You with heavenly food. Marveling at such an equal life with Your angels, we cry out to God, who was so well pleased with you: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

Bless you all, the All-Holy Spirit, who dwells inside the temple, O Most Holy Virgin. For this reason, let nothing from earthly defilement touch You, you were nourished by heavenly and incorruptible food, and you distributed the earthly food served to the poor and strange. And so, having received heavenly bread from the Angel all day, you have prospered in wisdom and grace, rejoicing in body and spirit, so that you may immaculately contain the inconceivable Word of God. And the Archangel Gabriel was the persistent guardian of Your virgin purity and often appeared to You with other Angels of God, strengthening You in spiritual struggles, in prayer and fasting, in meekness and humility and kindly conversing with You, revealing the Eternal Council of the Most High about You, so that you would be ready for acceptance of God, this cry to You:

Rejoice, wonderful fulfillment of the ineffable mysteries of God; Rejoice, all-wonderful accomplishment of the Eternal Council of the Most High.

Rejoice, indescribably raised by heavenly bread from the Angel; Rejoice, strengthened beyond words by the grace of God from heaven.

Rejoice, even as the many eyes of the Cherubim are placed in the Holy of Holies; Rejoice, the six-winged Seraphim continually converse with Neyuzhe.

Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 9

Every angelic nature was amazed at the great beauty of Your virginity, O All-Holy Virgin. You are with the Angels in the Holy of Holies, You Yourself desired to live forever in the purity of the angels and Your undamaged virginity. For this reason, you were the first in the world to take a vow of virginity and betrothed yourself to eternal service to God in the purity of maidenhood, and you were ignorant of Him, so that by the Holy Spirit you would be prepared into a pure and incorruptible village of the Word of God, singing to Him day and night: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The oracles of God's words cannot speak, in which utter the mystery of Thy life in the purity of virginity in the temple, O Theotokos, Thy growing years, for Thou art strengthened day by day in spirit, and Thy life was most mobile and extended: with diligence, for Thou didst multiply prayer, going from strength to strength , Dondezhe The Power of the Most High Autumn Ty. I also grew in You the gifts of the Holy Spirit: when you came to a greater age, you practiced more in prayer than in handicrafts, and you spent entire nights in prayer with the Angels behind the second veil. For this reason, with surprise, we call You this:

Rejoice, Holy of Holies, Most Holy Virgin, who offered Her pure virginity to God as a sacrifice; Rejoice, purest Palato of the Holy Spirit, who raised Herself in the habitation of Christ.

Rejoice, Door of Heaven, in the temple, as if you were in heaven; Rejoice, Goro, imbued with the Spirit, flourishing in the sanctuary with all virtues.

Rejoice, even as the Angels of God deliver their messages faithfully; Rejoice, for all the faithful always praise with gratitude.

Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 10

The joyful spring of our salvation has risen with all the ends of the glorious earth for the sake of Your Entry into the Temple, O Theotokos. Scripture is mimimoid and the law is impoverished, like the canopy that entered You into the temple of God, the Pure Virgin, the rays of grace arose to all, enlightening the souls and thoughts of all who sit in the darkness of ignorance. For this reason, let heaven and earth rejoice, Heaven can see the future intelligently, and let many angels and men cry out: joy and deliverance are brought into the temple to all who cry: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

Thou art a wall to the virgins who labor in the purity of virginity in the monasteries, O Virgin Mother of God, having made a vow of virginity to God in the temple, Thou hast marvelously preserved it, and having reached the age of twelve, when other virgins living at the temple were married according to the lawful custom, Thou art revealed The secret of Your promise, for the sake of it, was given to Elder Joseph for the preservation of virginity, indicated by God by the flight of a dove from his staff. And thus, having clothed yourself with the complete goodness of virginity, as the Bride of God, You bestow Your service in purity to all who perform the gifts of Your meek and silent spirit, Your silence, humility and unspeakable purity, so that all who are saved by You will sing to You with thanksgiving:

Rejoice, unceasing in prayers in the temple of the Lord, do not let us fall asleep in sin; Rejoice, abiding in silence in the Holy of Holies, grant us to live in the silence of a more animal life.

Rejoice, ever interlocutor with the Angels in the sanctuary, teach us who are disembodied to listen with the verb; Rejoice, cohabitant with the pure virgins at the temple, help us to live our lives in virginity and purity.

Rejoice, animated Temple of the Living God, create us temples of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, O Thou who art all-dear to all good deeds, strengthen us in all the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 11.

All-touching singing from unearthly music is offered to You, Most Holy Virgin, holy Angels, serving Your virginal Presentation and creating joy and heavenly voices, entering into Your service of God, with whom on earth from the songs of men the virgin faces of the Lord sing, psalmically chanting and honoring You, His Mother. With them, grant us with pure minds and undefiled lips to sing about Your honorable Introduction: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

The light-receiving light shone for us, O Mother of God, having come to the temple of the Lord, the greatest joy was there shining and burning in prayer in the Holy of Holies, from there you shone with heavenly purity to the whole world, which dwells in the darkness of sin, and we too with the luminous virgins, to the temple of the Lord those who spent a bright time with the glory of virginity, we will greet You joyfully, in the light of purity of soul and body, shining, and we will sing the following praises to You:

Rejoice, unquenchable Light, kindled into the sanctuary, escorted by the luminous virgins; Rejoice, never-ending Dawn, who has covered the whole world, who is greeted by the bright Angels in the temple.

Rejoice, Lamp of heavenly glory, Who shone an unflattering light in the temple to all; Rejoice, O Devil of God's grace, who received the bread of words from the hand of an Angel.

Rejoice, Mother of Light, coming to be, enlightening everyone with the light of Your purity; Rejoice, Mother, quiet radiance of Light, comforting everyone with the warmth of Your prayers.

Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 12

The grace of God is a new and animated ark of existence, Virgin Mother of God, in which, instead of sensual manna and material tablets, the immaterial inexhaustible gifts of God are contained, you were worthily introduced into the Holy of Holies, as if you were to contain the fleshly Beginning Word of God, where the Powers of Heaven serve You, the fear of the Cherubim and The Seraphim, flaming with love, overshadowed Thee with their wings, Thrones and Dominions, Beginnings, Powers and Powers, and the Archangels and Angels fell to Thee, crying out for Thee: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing Your most honorable Entry into the Temple of the Lord, we praise all Your wonderfulness in the Holy of Holies with the Angels’ presence and heavenly bread, we worship Your equal-angelic virgin purity, Mother of God, and believe that You came from an earthly house to the house of God, like a pure sacrifice, like a gift consecrated for the betrothal of your virginity to the Heavenly Bridegroom, so that you may prepare yourself worthily for the incorruptible and pure Nativity of Christ in God’s dwelling. Therefore, as a believer, let us say to you:

Rejoice, thou who sanctified the temple of the Lord with Thy most pure feet; Rejoice, you who have washed the dwelling of God from the desecration of sinners.

Rejoice, in the holy temple, as in heaven, you received the worship of the Heavenly Powers; Rejoice, in the Holy of Holies, as in heaven, you presented yourself to the Throne of God.

Rejoice, Beautiful Maiden, who brought peace to the whole world by Your coming from the home of fathers to the temple; Rejoice, new Dove, who first gave hope to the righteous in the underworld by entering the temple.

Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 13

Oh, All-Singing Mother of God, who came to the temple of the Lord to be educated in the Holy of Holies in God’s dwelling, today we receive offerings at Your all-honorable Introduction, deliver us from all sorrow, and misfortune, and temptations of the enemy, cleanse us from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit and save us until our end in chastity and purity, yes, sanctified by You, we will be worthy of being introduced into the abode of paradise with the wise virgins, with them let us sing about You to God: Alleluia.

(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1st and kontakion 1st)

Ikos 1

The faces of Archangels and Angels from the heavenly heights flocked to see Thy glorious, O Mother of God, into the temple of the Lord, the Introduction, and together with the earthly face of pure virgins, the invisible face of disembodied minds walked with joy, Thee, the Most Pure Virgin, accompanying and, like a vessel chosen by God, by the command of the Lord surrounding, and, as if I served my Lady, even though I did not know the mystery of Your power, seeing You, I was indescribably filled with heavenly purity, and everything that was seen about You, I was horrified and with fear, many hastened to You like this:

Rejoice, overjoyed Virgin, Mother of the Tsareva who had to be; Rejoice, you who are preferred to the Queen, who will live in the temple of the Kings.

Rejoice, chosen and exalted Daughter of God the Father; Rejoice, Mother of God the Son, foretold from the ages.

Rejoice, O Bride of God the All-Holy Spirit, unartificed; Rejoice, most beloved Lady of all creation, visible and invisible.

Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Kontakion 1

Chosen by the Eternal King of the Virgin Mary, the Queen of Angels and men, who sometimes came to the Temple of the Lord in the Holy of Holies, to betroth her virginity to the Heavenly Bridegroom, to be raised in God’s dwelling, we diligently offer worthy worship to You. You, as our powerful Intercessor, free us from all troubles and sorrows, and with love and tenderness we cry out to You:

Rejoice, God-chosen Youth, who opened the doors of heaven to us by entering the temple.

Prayer for the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the Temple

“O Most Holy Virgin, Queen of heaven and earth, before the ages the chosen Bride of God, who in recent times came to the lawful temple to betrothal to the heavenly Bridegroom! You left Your people and Your father’s house in order to offer Yourself a pure and immaculate sacrifice to God, and You were the first to take a vow of perpetual virginity. Grant us also to keep ourselves in chastity and purity and in the passion of God all the days of our lives, so that we may be temples of the Holy Spirit, and especially help everyone who, in imitation of Yours, lives in the monasteries and who have betrothed themselves to the service of God, to lead their lives in the purity of virginity and from youth to bear the good and easy yoke of Christ, holyly keeping one’s vows. You spent, O All-Pure One, all the days of Your youth in the temple of the Lord, far from the temptations of this world, in constant vigil in prayer and in all mental and physical abstinence, so help us to repel all the temptations of the enemy from the flesh, the world and the devil that come upon us from our youth, and overcome it through prayer and fasting. You, in the temple of the Lord with the angels abiding, have been adorned with all the virtues, especially with humility, purity and love, and you have been brought up worthily, so that you will be ready to accommodate the incontainable Word of God in your flesh. Grant us, too, possessed by pride, intemperance and laziness, to be clothed in all spiritual perfection, so that each of us, with Your help, may prepare from us the wedding robe of our souls and the oil of good deeds, so that we may appear, without naz and unprepared, to meet our immortal Bridegroom and Thy Son, Christ. , Our Savior and God, but may He receive us with the wise virgins in the abode of paradise, where, with all the saints, grant us to glorify and glorify the all-holy name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and Your merciful intercession always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen."

Troparion for the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary, tone 4

Today is the day of God's favor, the transfiguration and the preaching of the salvation of men: in the temple of God the Virgin clearly appears and announces Christ to everyone. To that we too will loudly cry out: Rejoice, fulfillment of the Creator’s vision.

Kontakion for the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary, tone 4

The most pure temple of the Savior, the valuable palace and the Virgin, the sacred treasure of the glory of God, is today introduced into the house of the Lord, conferring grace, even in the Divine Spirit, even as the angels of God sing: This is the village of heaven.

Glorification of the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary

We magnify You, Most Holy Virgin, God-chosen Youth, and honor Your entry into the Temple of the Lord.

Begged by the prayers of her parents, the Blessed Virgin Mary lived with them until she was three years old. From a very early age, they instilled in Her that She was able to be born only thanks to their fervent prayers to God and therefore, even before birth, she was dedicated to Him. Therefore, Her place is in the temple of God, where She will be raised according to the law of the Lord.

This intention of Joachim and Anna - to dedicate their daughter to God - became known in Jerusalem, and their relatives and acquaintances, including young peers of Saint Mary, gathered for this event.

During the procession to the temple, the girls accompanying the Blessed Virgin Mary carried lighted candles and sang psalms. When this procession approached the temple, the priests, led by the high priest, came out to meet them.

According to Blessed Jerome, there were 15 steps leading to the porch of the temple - according to the number sedate psalms. Placed by her mother on the first step, the Blessed Virgin Mary independently ascended the remaining steps all the way to the temple platform. At the entrance to the temple, the priest Zechariah, at the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, led Her inside the sanctuary, into the Holy of Holies, where no one was allowed to enter except the high priest, and then only once a year.

This introduction of the Most Holy Virgin amazed not only all those present, but also the Angels who were invisibly present here, who, as it is sung in the Honor of the Feast, “Were visibly surprised at how the Virgin entered the Holy of Holies.”

Righteous Zechariah arranged for the Holy Virgin to live in a house near the temple. The temple in its surroundings had various outbuildings in which those who served with it lived. There was also a shelter for girls here.

The saints and righteous Joachim and Anna, leaving the Most Holy Virgin Mary at the temple, returned to their home, realizing that their Daughter, as a divine gift sent down, was their sacrifice to the One from whom they received Her.

Remaining to live at the temple, the Holy Virgin Mary was under the supervision and guidance of pious mentors, who taught Her both the Holy Scriptures and various handicrafts.

According to Saint John of Damascus, being removed from the society of unbecoming husbands and wives, She lived in the temple in such a way that she represented an example of the life of the best and purest Virgin in comparison with others. Vigilance in prayer, modesty, humility and meekness were Her distinctive qualities.

Her day at the temple was distributed as follows: from early morning She prayed, then read the Holy Scriptures, then moved on to needlework. She also ended her day with prayer.

Over time, having studied the Holy Scriptures, the Blessed Virgin Mary paid special attention to the prophecy of Isaiah, who wrote regarding the Messiah: “ Behold, the Virgin will be with child and give birth to a Son, and they will call His name Immanuel.“Reflecting on this text, She burned with the desire to see that blessed Virgin who would be honored to become the mother of the Savior of mankind.

While still very young, the Most Pure Virgin lost Her parents. Left an orphan, She completely surrendered to God, without even thinking about earthly love or family life. Having taken a vow of virginity, She was the first to open the path of complete service to God, which many Christian ascetics later followed.

When the Blessed Virgin Mary turned 15 years old, the high priest and priests began to advise Her to leave the temple and, as was customary then, to get married. To this, the Most Pure One told them about Her vow to remain a virgin forever, which surprised them a lot. According to the teachings of the rabbis, every Israeli woman and every Israeli man must marry.

And so the priest Zechariah had a dilemma: on the one hand, the law did not allow a girl who had reached maturity to remain at the temple, and on the other hand, he did not want to force the holy Virgin to break the vow she had given.

Thinking about this, he came up with the following compromise: he invited Her relative, the elderly Joseph, to become Her guardian. To fulfill the law, he had to formally become engaged to Her, but in reality he had to become the custodian of Her vow. Being a kind and compassionate man, he agreed to do this on the condition that she would move to live with him in Nazareth.

After the betrothal, Righteous Joseph went with the Blessed Virgin to Galilee, to his city of Nazareth. The Blessed Virgin Mary was saddened that She had to part with the temple. However, seeing the will of God in everything, She submitted to divine Providence.

Tradition has preserved only fragmentary information about what Joseph’s family life was like. Judging by his age, he could be the grandfather of a young girl. As a widower, with his late wife Salome he had four sons: James, Josiah, Simon and Judah, and two daughters: Mary and Salome. In the Gospels they are mentioned as brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ. Although righteous Joseph came from a royal family, being a descendant of King David, he lived very modestly, earning his bread by carpentry. He was a God-fearing man, meek and hardworking.

In her later life, the Blessed Virgin Mary, according to the testimony of Saint Ambrose of Milan, “was a Virgin not only in flesh, but also in spirit: in her heart she was humble, in her words she was wise, she did not offend anyone, she wished good to everyone, she did not disdain the wretched, in her speeches she was not quickly, in conversations - chaste, did not laugh at anyone. Her appearance was an image of inner perfection. She turned all Her days into fasting, indulged in sleep only when required by necessity, but even then, when Her body was at rest, She was awake in spirit, repeating in her sleep what she had read or thinking about carrying out her intended intentions, or devising new ones, leaving the house only in temple, and then only in the company of relatives. And although She appeared outside the house, accompanied by others, She Herself was the best guardian for Herself: others guarded only Her body, and She Herself guarded Her morals.”

Troparion for the Feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The day of God’s favor is the transfiguration / and the preaching of the salvation of men: / in the temple of God the Virgin clearly appears / and announces Christ to everyone. / To that we too will cry out loudly: / Rejoice, / / ​​the vision of the Creator is fulfilled.

Kontakion of the Feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Most Pure Temple of the Savior, / the valuable palace and the Virgin, / the sacred treasure of the glory of God, / is today introduced into the house of the Lord, bringing grace, / Even in the Divine Spirit, / Even the Angels of God sing // This is the village of Heaven.

The Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos is a holiday that came to us from Church Tradition. On this day, Christians remember how Saints Joachim and Anna brought the three-year-old Virgin Mary to the Jerusalem Temple. Thus, the parents of the Mother of God fulfilled their vow - the promise to dedicate their long-awaited daughter to God. We will tell you about the history, features and traditions of the holiday.

What is the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the Temple?

The Entry into the Temple of Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary is the full name of the holiday that the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates on December 4 (new style). This is the second twelfth feast of the Mother of God of the church year. The twelfths are holidays that are dogmatically closely connected with the events of the earthly life of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Mother of God and are divided into the Lord's (dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ) and the Theotokos (dedicated to the Mother of God).

On this day, Orthodox Christians remember how the holy righteous Joachim and Anna brought their three-year-old daughter, the Most Holy Theotokos, to the Jerusalem Temple. They did this to fulfill their vow before the Lord - to devote their daughter to serving Him. From that day on, the Virgin Mary lived at the Jerusalem Temple - until the very moment she was betrothed to the righteous Joseph.

We will not find mention of the events of this holiday in the canonical Gospels, but Church Tradition (which is revered on a par with Holy Scripture) tells us about it. Namely - “The Story of Jacob about the Birth of Mary”, or “Proto-Gospel of Jacob” (II century), and “The Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew” (the Latin version of the childhood of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, which developed by the 9th-10th centuries, but based on earlier “ Gospels of Childhood").

Events of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the Temple

When the Virgin Mary was three years old, her righteous parents Joachim and Anna realized that the time had come to fulfill the vow they had made to God. Namely, to dedicate the daughter to serving Him. They brought Mary to the walls of the Jerusalem Temple. As the Holy Tradition says, the Mother of God easily climbed the steep steps, despite the fact that she was just a baby. The high priest was already waiting for her upstairs to bless her. According to some sources, this was Saint Zechariah, the future father of the prophet John the Baptist.

Zechariah had a revelation from the Lord, and he led Mary into the Holy of Holies - a place where only the high priest was allowed to enter, and even then only once a year. From this moment, unusual for contemporaries, the long, glorious and difficult road of the Mother of God began.

Years passed, the Mother of God lived and served at the Temple. She spent her days in prayer, studying the Holy Scriptures - right up to the moment when she was betrothed to the righteous Joseph.

When is the Entry of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the Temple celebrated?

The Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos is celebrated on December 4 according to the new style (November 21 according to the old style). This is an impermanent holiday, that is, its date is unchanged.

What can you eat at the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary?

The holiday falls on the Nativity Fast (also called Philipp Fast). On this day you are allowed to eat fish.

History of the celebration of the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary

As Church Tradition says, the feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary was known already in the first centuries of Christianity. Empress Helen Equal to the Apostles (years of life: 250-330) built a temple in honor of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos. And in the 4th century, St. Gregory of Nyssa wrote about the holiday.

The Feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary became widespread only in the 9th century. George of Nicomedia and Joseph of Songwriting wrote two canons for the service of this day.

Iconography of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the Temple

On the icons dedicated to the events of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Mother of God herself is depicted in the center of the composition. She is wearing a maforiya, the traditional clothing of married women. Standing nearby are the holy righteous Joachim and Anna - the parents who brought her to the Jerusalem Temple.

The temple itself is most often depicted as a ciborium (a tent, a canopy over the throne). The priest Zechariah, the future father of the prophet John the Baptist, meets the Virgin Mary. Also on the icon we see a staircase of fifteen steps - according to Tradition, the three-year-old Mother of God climbed them on her own, without the help of adults.

Divine service of the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary

On the day of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the temple, the festive service consists of small vespers, all-night vigil (with litia), hours and liturgy. The charter of the service is practically no different from the charter of the other twelve celebrations of the Mother of God (Nativity of the Virgin Mary and Assumption). Only holiday songs are sung. The clergy wear white and/or blue vestments.

Prayer for the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Troparion of the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary

voice 4
Today is the day of God's favor, the transfiguration and the preaching of the salvation of men: in the temple of God the Virgin clearly appears and announces Christ to everyone. To that we too will loudly cry out: Rejoice, fulfillment of the Creator’s vision.

Translation:

Now is the forerunner of God’s favor and the foretelling of the salvation of people: the Virgin solemnly appears in the temple of God and announces Christ to everyone; To her we too will loudly exclaim: “Rejoice, fulfilling the Creator’s providence for us.”

Kontakion of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the Temple

voice 4
The most pure temple of the Savior, the valuable palace and the Virgin, the sacred treasure of the glory of God, is today introduced into the house of the Lord, the grace of the Divine Spirit, even as the Angels of God sing: This is the village of Heaven.

Translation:

The purest temple of the Savior, the valuable palace and the Virgin, the sacred treasure of the glory of God, is now being introduced into the house of the Lord, bringing with Him the grace of the Divine Spirit; The Angels of God sing about her: “She is a heavenly dwelling.”

The Majesty of the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary
We magnify you, Most Holy Virgin, God-chosen Youth, and honor your entry into the temple of the Lord.

Translation:

We magnify You, Most Holy Virgin, God-chosen Youth, and honor Your entrance into the temple of the Lord.

Saint Gregory Palamas. Sermon on the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple

If “a tree is known by its fruit”, and “a good tree produces good fruit” (Matt. 7:17; Luke 6:44), then how could the Mother of Goodness Itself and the Parent of Eternal Beauty not be incomparably more excellent than every good thing found? in the natural and supernatural world? For the Coeternal and Immutable Image of the goodness of the Most High Father, the Eternal, Pre-existing and Most Good Word, out of ineffable love for mankind and compassion for us, desired to take upon Himself our image, in order to recall our nature to Himself from the lowest hell, in order to renew this decayed nature and elevate it to heavenly heights - for all this he finds the kindest Servant, the Ever-Virgin, Whom we glorify and whose miraculous Entry into the temple - into the Holy of Holies we now celebrate. Before the ages, God destined her for the salvation and proclamation of our race: She is chosen from among those chosen from the ages and glorious both in their piety and prudence, and in God-pleasing words and deeds.

Once the culprit of evil, the serpent rose above us and drew us into his abyss. Many reasons prompted him to rebel against us and enslave our nature: envy, rivalry, hatred, injustice, deceit, cunning and, in addition to all this, the deadly force in him, which he himself generated for himself, as the first apostate from true life . The culprit of evil envied Adam, seeing him rushing from earth to heaven, from where, in justice, he himself was overthrown and, envious, attacked Adam with terrible rage, even wanted to clothe him with death. After all, envy is the parent not only of hatred, but also of murder, which this truly misanthrope committed over us, cunningly coming to us, for he extremely unjustly wanted to be the ruler over earthly creatures for the destruction of a creature created in the image and likeness of God. And since he did not have enough courage to attack himself personally, he resorted to cunning and cunning and, taking the form of a sensual serpent, turning to the earth-born as a friend and useful adviser, this truly terrible enemy and attacker, imperceptibly moves on to action and with his Godless advice, he pours his own deadly force, like poison, into a person.

If Adam had perhaps held fast to the Divine commandment, he would have been victorious over his enemy and would have risen above deadly defilement; but since, on the one hand, having voluntarily succumbed to sin, he was defeated and became a sinner, and on the other hand, being the root of our race, he gave birth to us as deadly offspring, then in order for us to destroy the deadly poison of soul and body and again acquire eternal life for ourselves, it was absolutely necessary for our race to have a new root. We needed to have a new Adam, who would not only be sinless and completely invincible, but would be able to forgive sins and deliver from punishment those subject to it - and would not only have life, but also the ability to revive, in order to make participants in the lives of those who were subject to it. who cleave to Him and belong to His family, and not only the representatives of the generation following Him, but also those who have already died before Him. Therefore, St. Paul, this great trumpet of the Holy Spirit, exclaims: “He was the first man... I live in the soul,” and the second Man “gives life in the Spirit” (1 Cor. 15:45).

But, besides God, no one is sinless, does not give life and cannot forgive sins. Therefore, the new Adam had to be not only Man, but also God, so that He in Himself would be life, and wisdom, and truth, and love, and mercy, and in general every good thing in order to bring the old Adam into renewal and revival by mercy , wisdom, truth, by the opposite means of which the author of evil caused us death.

Thus, just as this primordial murderer exalted himself over us with envy and hatred, so the Author of life was raised up for us by His immeasurable love for mankind and His goodness. Truly, He strongly desired the salvation of His creation, which salvation consisted in subduing it again to Himself, just as the author of evil wanted the destruction of God’s creation, which consisted in putting man under his power, and tyrannizing himself over him. And just as he brought victory to himself and man’s fall through injustice, treachery, deception, and his cunning, so the Liberator secured for Himself the defeat of the author of evil and renewed His creation with truth, wisdom, and truth.

It was a matter of perfect justice that our nature, which was voluntarily enslaved and defeated, itself again entered into the struggle for victory and overthrew voluntary slavery from itself. That is why God was pleased to take upon Himself our nature from us, miraculously uniting with it Hypostasis. But the union of the Highest Nature, the purity of which is incomprehensible to our minds, with the sinful nature was impossible before it purified itself. Therefore, for the conception and birth of the Giver of purity, a completely Immaculate and Most Pure Virgin was necessary.

Now we celebrate the memory of what once contributed to this incarnation. For He who is from God, God of the Word and Son, Co-original and Co-eternal to the Most High Father, is made the Son of Man, the son of the Ever-Virgin. “Jesus Christ yesterday and today, the same and forever” (Heb. 13:8), unchangeable in Divinity and blameless in humanity, He alone, as the prophet Isaiah prophesied about Him, “do not commit iniquity, for flattery will be found in his mouth.” "(Is.53:9), - He alone was not conceived in iniquities, and His birth was not in sins, contrary to what the prophet David testifies about himself and about every other person (Ps.50:7). He alone was completely pure and did not even need purification for Himself: for our sake He took upon Himself suffering, death and resurrection.

God is born from the Immaculate and Holy Virgin, or, better, from the All-Pure and All-Holy. This Virgin is not only above all carnal defilement, but even above all unclean thoughts, and Her conception was not determined by the lust of the flesh, but by the overshadowing of the Most Holy Spirit. When the Virgin lived completely away from people and was in a prayerful mood and spiritual joy, She said to the Angel who announced the gospel: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38) and, having conceived, gave birth. So, in order to prove a Virgin worthy for this highest goal, God, before the ages, intends and from among those chosen from the beginning of the century chooses this Ever-Virgin, now praised by us. Pay attention also to where this election began. Of the sons of Adam, God chose the wonderful Seth, who, by the decency of his morals, by the splendor of his feelings, by the height of his virtues, revealed himself to be animated by heaven, which is why he was awarded the election, from which the Virgin - the Divine chariot of the Most Heavenly God - was to be born and call earth-born to heavenly adoption. For this reason, the entire family of Seth was called “the sons of God”: for from this generation the Son of God was born, since the name Seth means an uprising or resurrection (from the dead), which, in fact, is the Lord, who promises and gives immortal life believers in His Name. And what strict accuracy of this prototype! Seth was born by Eve, as she herself said, instead of Abel, whom Cain killed out of envy (Gen. 4:25), and the Son of the Virgin, Christ, was born for us instead of Adam, whom the culprit and patron of evil killed out of envy. But Seth did not resurrect Abel: for he served only as a prototype of the resurrection, and our Lord Jesus Christ resurrected Adam, since He is Life and Resurrection for the earthly, for which the descendants of Seth, according to hope, were honored with Divine adoption, being called children of God. And that as a result of this hope they were called sons of God, this is shown by the first son of Seth who was so named and who by succession received this election - Enos, who, according to the testimony of Moses, was the first to hope to be called by the name of the Lord (Gen. 4:26) .

Thus, the election of the future Mother of God, starting from the very sons of Adam and passing through all generations of time, according to the foreknowledge of God, reaches the king and prophet David and the successors of his kingdom and family. When the time of election came, God chose Joachim and Anna from the house and fatherland of David, who, although they were childless, in their virtuous life and good morals were better than everyone who came from the tribe of David. And when in prayer they asked God for permission for childlessness and promised to dedicate what was born, from His very childhood, to God, the Mother of God was announced to them and given from God as a Child - so that from such many virtuous people the Most Virtuous and Most Pure Virgin would be conceived, so that, thus, and chastity, combined with prayer, was fertilized, and the Most Pure One became the Mother of virginity, giving birth incorruptibly in the flesh to Him who, according to Divinity, was born before the ages from God the Father. And so, when the righteous Joachim and Anna saw that they were honored with their desire and God’s promise to them was realized in practice, then they, as true lovers of God, for their part, hastened to fulfill their vow given to God: they now brought this to the temple of God, truly, the Holy and Divine Child of the Virgin Mary, as soon as She stopped feeding on milk. And She, despite such a small age, was full of Divine gifts and understood more than others what was happening to Her, and with all Her qualities she showed that they were not bringing Her into the temple, but that She Herself, of her own urge, came to serve God, as if on self-born wings, striving for sacred and Divine love, being convinced that Her introduction into the temple - into the Holy of Holies and staying in it is a thing desired by Her. That is why the high priest, seeing that Divine grace abided on the Maiden above all others, wished to infuse Her into the Holy of Holies and convinced everyone to willingly agree with this. And God assisted the Virgin and sent Her through His Angel mysterious food, thanks to which She strengthened by nature and became purer than the angels, while having Heavenly spirits in her service. And not only once was She introduced into the Holy of Holies, but was accepted by God to stay with Him for many years: for through Her in due time the Heavenly Mansions were opened and given for eternal residence to those who believed in Her miraculous Birth. This, then, is why the Chosen One from the beginning of the century among the elect turned out to be the Holy of Holies. Having Her body purer than the spirits themselves purified by virtue, so that it could receive the very Hypostatic Word of the Pre-Eternal Father, the Ever-Virgin Mary, as the Treasure of God, according to her heritage was now placed in the Holy of Holies, so that in due time, as it was, she could serve for enrichment and to a premium decoration. Therefore, Christ God glorifies His Mother, both before birth and after birth.

We, thinking about the salvation accomplished for us through the Most Holy Virgin, will give Her all our strength thanks and praise. And truly, if the grateful wife (about whom the Gospel tells us), having heard a few saving words of the Lord, gave thanks to His Mother, raising her voice from the crowd and saying to Christ: “Blessed is the womb that bore Thee, and the breasts that nourished Thee” (Luke 11: 27), then all the more we, Christians, who have inscribed in our hearts the words of eternal life and not only words, but also miracles and suffering, and through them the restoration of our nature from the dead, and the ascension from earth to heaven, and the immortal life promised to us , and immutable salvation, especially since after all this we cannot help but glorify and tirelessly please the Mother of the Chief of Salvation and the Giver of Life, celebrating Her conception and birth and now Her Entry into the Temple - into the Holy of Holies. Let us move ourselves, brothers, from the earth of grief, let us be transferred from the flesh to the spirit, let us prefer the desire for the permanent rather than the temporary. Let us give due contempt to carnal pleasures, which serve as bait against the soul and soon pass away. Let us desire spiritual gifts as incorruptible. Let us distract our minds and our attention from the cares of this world and raise it into the heavenly depths - into that Holy of Holies, where the Mother of God now dwells. For in this way, our hymns and prayers with God-pleasing boldness and benefit will reach Her, and thanks to Her intercession, we, along with present blessings, will become heirs of future, endless blessings, by grace and love for us for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, born of Her, to Him glory, power, honor and worship are due with His Originless Father and with His Eternal and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh. Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the Temple

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
At the beginning of the Nativity Fast, we reverently celebrate the Entry of the Mother of God into the temple. The temple is God's destiny, it is a place that belongs inseparably to God, a place where no thoughts, no feelings, no will can be other than the will of God. And so the Most Pure Virgin Mother of God in her young, infant years is brought to the temple of the Lord, enters that region where there is nothing but God and His ways. She is immersed in prayer, She stands before the Living God, She devotes herself to women’s holy work, which can be an expression - if only a person’s heart is sensitive and pure - of love and care. And immersed in this element of Divine presence and human adoration, She grows, from year to year, to the full measure of Her maturity. And when the great Archangel of the Annunciation appears before Her and announces to Her that, mysteriously and incomprehensibly, the Lord will be born of Her, She surrenders to Him unconditionally, in awe and humble obedience: Behold, the servant of the Lord, may it be done to me according to His will...
Over these years of complete immersion in the mystery of God, in the mystery of love, She became capable of becoming the One through whom the saving, transforming, sacrificial and cross-like love of God will enter the world. Saint Gregory Palamas tells us that the incarnation of the Son of God would have been just as impossible without the permission of His earthly Mother as without the will of the Heavenly Father. Having gone entirely into God's will, into the mystery of love for Him, and in Him for all creation, She was able to pronounce the name of God, the holy, mysterious name, which coincides with His personality, with all Her thoughts, with all Her heart, with all Her will and everything. His body, and this Word became flesh, and therefore we reverently contemplate this unique, unique holiness of the Mother of God.

But it is not in vain that this holiday is set as the threshold of our procession towards the Nativity of Christ, the embodiment of the Word of God. And we must prepare in this way, go so deep, so purify our hearts, sanctify our thoughts, renew our wills, sanctify our flesh, so that the eternal life revealed in Christ can be born in us, so that we, immersed in His death, those who rose by His Resurrection on the day of our baptism could really grow together with Him, so be one with Him, just as the members of the body are one with each other, just as the whole body is one with the head. The Mother of God gave birth to the world the creative Word and incarnate Love; and we have been given through prayer, fidelity to the gospel path, love for God and our neighbor, renunciation of ourselves, giving of ourselves without reserve to both God and our neighbor - and we have been given to unite with God so mysteriously that we too will be resurrected with Christ and in Christ. The path lies before us now - let us walk this path not just waiting for a miracle at the end of this path, but becoming living, creative participants in this path, so that the Lord is born and so that with Him a new, jubilant, all-conquering love and life is born in us eternal. Amen.

Vvedenskoe Cemetery

There are many toponyms associated with the Feast of the Entry of the Virgin Mary in Russia. One of the most famous is the Vvedenskoye Cemetery.

Vvedenskoye Cemetery (also known as German or Vvedensky Mountains) was founded in 1771 during the plague epidemic. It is located in the east of Moscow, in the Lefortovo area. In the 18th-19th centuries it was called the German Cemetery, since mainly Catholics and Lutherans were buried there.

The cemetery got its name because of the Vvedensky Mountains (aka Lefortovo Hill). This is a hill on the left bank of the Yauza (one of the “seven hills” of Moscow). The mountains, in turn, received their name from the village of Vvedenskoye that was once here, and it, in turn, from the wooden Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary into the Temple, built on the hills in 1643 by order of Tsarina Evdokia Lukyanovna, the second wife of Tsar Mikhail Romanov.

The wall and cemetery buildings were built at the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th century. In the 1960s, the territory was expanded and a columbarium wall was built.

Many famous people are buried in the cemetery, and some of the monuments and tombstones created by famous architects and sculptures are recognized as cultural heritage sites.

Traditions of the celebration of the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary

In Rus', noisy and cheerful introduction fairs were held in all cities and villages. The most famous was the wide Moskovskaya. Fish auctions took place here, and peddlers offered customers to try piping hot buns, pretzels, gingerbread cookies, pancakes, and pies. We washed everything down with a hot honey drink - sbiten.

On the screensaver is a fragment of the painting Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary(Titian, 1534-1538)