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 Soon
after the beginning of the Nativity Fast (Advent), the Holy Church celebrates
the Feast of the Entrance of the Most-Holy Theotokos into the Temple.
Here we encounter the holiness of Mary - a small child separated from
the world, brought to live in the Temple - a life set apart, consecrated,
and in a state of intimacy with God - something that all of us are called
to be. We also see in this Feast a comparison between the Temple of stone
and Mary, the Living Temple - the Temple of the Savior - for she will
bear God the Word - the God-Man - in her womb, thus showing herself to
be a holier Temple than that at Jerusalem. It is the Living Temple - the
instrument of the Incarnation - which sanctifies the Temple built of stone.
According to the Inner Tradition of the Church, the Entrance into the
Temple took place in the following manner: The parents of the Virgin,
Joachim and Anna, when praying for the resolution of their barrenness,
gave a vow that if a child was born, it would be dedicated to the service
of God. Thus, when the Most-Holy Virgin was three years old, her holy
parents resolved to fulfill their vow.
Having gathered relatives and acquaintances, clothing the Most-Pure Mary
in bright garments, singing sacred hymns and carrying lit candles in their
hands, they led her to the Jerusalem Temple. There the young Maiden was
met by the High Priest with a multitude of priests. Leading up into the
Temple were fifteen high steps, and the child Mary, it seems, was not
able on her own to ascend these steps. But, as soon as she was put on
the first step, being strengthened by the power of God, she quickly climbed
the remaining steps to the top. Later, at an inspiration from Above, the
High Priest led the Most-Holy Virgin into the Holy of Holies into which
the High Priest entered only once a year on behalf of the people, after
first making sacrifices for them and for himself. All who were present
were astonished at this extraordinary event.
The righteous Joachim and Anna, having delivered the child voluntarily
to the Heavenly Father, returned home; the Most-Blessed Mary remained
in the rooms for virgins which were found at the Temple. Around the Temple,
according to the witness of Holy Scripture (e.g., Luke 2:37), as well
as that of the historian Josephus Flavius, there were many rooms in which
remained those dedicated to the service of God.
A deep mystery covers the earthly life of the Most-Holy Theotokos from
her childhood to her repose. Her life in the Jerusalem Temple was concealed.
"If you were to ask me," said the Blessed Jerome, "how
the Most-Holy Virgin passed the time of her youth, I would answer that
this is known only to God Himself and the Archangel Gabriel detailed to
protect her." In Church Tradition, however, is preserved information
that during her sojourn in the Jerusalem Temple, the Most-Pure Virgin
was educated in the community of pious virgins, diligently reading Holy
Scriptures, occupied with handiworks, perpetually in prayer and growing
up with love towards God.
In remembrance of the Entry into the Temple of the Most-Holy Theotokos,
the Church, from ancient times, instituted a solemn Feast. Information
concerning the celebration of the Feast in the first centuries of Christianity
is found in the tradition of Palestinian Christians, which says that when
the Holy Queen Helena came to Palestine, she erected a church in honor
of the Entrance into the Temple of the Most-Holy Theotokos. Thus the Feast
of the Entrance into the Temple of the Most-Holy Theotokos, pre-announcing
the Incarnation of God on earth, proclaims salvation to all Christians.
Troparion of the Feast (Tone 4)
Today is the prelude of the good will of God, of the preaching of the
salvation of mankind. The Virgin appears in the Temple of God, in anticipation
proclaiming Christ to all. Let us rejoice and sing to her: Rejoice, O
divine Fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation!
Kontakion of the Feast (Tone 4)
The most pure Temple of the Savior; the precious Chamber and Virgin; the
sacred Treasure of the glory of God, is presented today to the house of
the Lord. She brings with her the grace of the Spirit, which the angels
of God do praise. Truly this woman is the Abode of Heaven! |
