The Entry of the Most Holy Mother of God into the Temple

The Entrance of the Theotokos is a significant feast celebrated on November 21 commemorating when the Virgin Mary, as a young child, was presented by her parents, Joachim and Anna, at the Temple in Jerusalem.

The feast emphasizes Mary's unique role in salvation history as the vessel through which God became incarnate. It also highlights her purity and devotion to God from an early age. The Entrance of the Theotokos is seen as a foreshadowing of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel would later visit Mary to announce her role as the Mother of God.

During the feast, we gather in churches for liturgical services, including the Divine Liturgy, to offer prayers, venerate icons of the Theotokos, and reflect on the virtues of Mary's life. The feast serves as a reminder of the importance of dedicating oneself to God and seeking His guidance in all aspects of life. Learn more!