THE PATRIARCHATE OBSERVES THE FEAST OF THE ENTRANCE OF THEOTOKOS INTO THE TEMPLE (2016)
On Sunday, the 21st of November/4th of December 2016, the Patriarchate observed the feast of the Entrance of Theotokos into the Temple.
The feast commemorates the fact that the parents of young Mary, Joachim and Anna, had dedicated their child to the Temple of Solomon where she stayed until the age of 15, when she was delivered to Joseph the Betrothed for protection.
The Entrance of Mary into the Temple foretells God’s blessing for the human race and proclaims the centuries-long mystery for the salvation of man through Jesus Christ, the incarnation of whom was to be announced to Theotokos.
For this reason, the day of the feast marks the beginning of Christmas Katabasias Hymns: “Christ is born, glorify Him; Christ comes from heaven, go to meet Him”.
The feast was observed:
Α. At Sts Constantine and Helen Church, where His Beatitude began the Christmas Katabasias Hymns.
B. At the Church of the Presentation of Theotokos within the Monastery of the Great Panagia.
Vespers and the divine Liturgy were served on the morning of the feast, led by Metropolitan Joachim of Helenoupolis, having as concelebrants Hagiotaphite Hieromonks, such as the hegumen in Beit Sahur, Archimandrite Ignatios, and Hierodeacon Demetrios. Music teacher, Mr Balagiorgos, and pilgrim Lukas sang for a congregation of monks nuns, and pilgrims. The Church was recently renovated Abbess Melanie.
During the divine Liturgy, His Beatitude Theophilos arrived at the church to venerate, accompanied by Hagiotaphite Fathers.
On the conclusion of the service, Abbess Melanie hosted Primates and the congregation to a reception at the hegumeneion.
From the Secretariat-General
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