The Feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos has been celebrated since ancient times. Earlier on this day it was customary to pray in the temple, and during the day to visit each other, ride a sleigh and bring cherry twigs to the house. The holiday is rooted in the very distant past. On the day when the parents left the baby under the arches of the Jerusalem Temple to bequeath her life to God forever.
history of the holiday
A clean and bright Orthodox holiday is celebrated by the Christian world on December 4. This date is not easy. For all believers, it is full of deep meaning. According to legend, on this day, the parents of the Mother of God - Saints Jaokim and Anna - accompanied their little daughter to the temple. Thus, they fulfilled their vow to God - to devote to the service of Him a prayed and long-awaited child. No matter how sad it was to part with their beloved daughter, they could not break the word given to the Almighty. Moreover, only thanks to him, Jaokim and Anna knew parental happiness.
The baby was met upstairs by the high priest Zacharias, who had a vision the day before. It said that a very important role in this world was destined for the girl who came to the temple of God on this day. It must be protected like the apple of an eye and is treated with special trepidation and tenderness. Therefore, the minister of the church took her directly to the Holy of Holies - the place where the Tablets of the Covenant were kept. Even he was allowed to go there only once during the year.
Since then, little Mary began an interesting and righteous life under the arches of the Jerusalem Temple, filled with humility and love. She was brought up by pious maidens. The girl grew up in severity and obedience. She spent her days in prayer service. This continued until that momentous event when she was betrothed to the righteous Joseph. And a new page began in the life of the holy Virgin.
What products are allowed for the Introduction to the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos?
The holiday falls on the time of the Nativity Lent. Therefore, meat products are prohibited for consumption, only fish and lean foods are allowed. Believers pray on this day in the temple or at home, offering thanks to the Virgin Mary and asking her for her intercession and patronage.
How was the Orthodox holiday celebrated before?
In Russia, the holiday was celebrated noisily, on a grand scale. The peasants spent the morning at a prayer service, and during the day they rode horses, gave gifts to each other, and visited relatives. The introduction, as the people called this day, was also personified with the arrival of winter. Therefore, people changed the cart for a sled and paved the first winter path through the crisp snow.
If you believe in God, do not disregard this wonderful bright good holiday. Go to church, listen to the service, turn with love in your soul to the Holy Virgin Mary and she will definitely respond.
