My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,
CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE. Ο ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΕΝ ΤΩ ΜΕΣΩ ΗΜΩΝ! ΚΑΙ ΗΝ ΚΑΙ ΕΣΤΙ ΚΑΙ ΕΣΤΑΙ.
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ON NOVEMBER 21ST OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH COMMEMORATES THE GREAT FEAST OF THE ENTRY INTO THE TEMPLE OF THE MOST HOLY MOTHER OF GOD.
When the Most Holy Ever-Virgin Mary had reached the age of three (3), her parents, holy Joachim and Anna, took her from Nazareth to Jerusalem, to give her to the service of God in fulfillment of their promise. It was three days' journey to Jerusalem, but, going as they were on God's work, they did not find the journey difficult. Many of Joachim and Anna's kinsmen gathered to take part in this celebration, in which the invisible Angels of God also took part. Maidens (young girls) went ahead with lighted candles in their hands, followed by the Most Holy Virgin, led on either side by her father and mothers. The Ever-Virgin Mary was clad in royal and beautiful garments, like those of the 'king's daughter', the Bride of God (Psalm 44:9, 10). Behind them walked many of their kinsfolk and friends, all bearing lighted candles. There were fifteen (15) steps leading to the Temple. Her parents stood the Virgin on the first step, and she ran quickly to the top on her own, where the High Priest, Zacharias, the father of Saint John the Baptist and Forerunner, met her and taking her by the hand, led her not only into the Temple but into the Holy of Holies, the holiest place of all, into which none could enter except the High Priest, and that once a year. Saint Theophylact of Ochrid says that Zacharias was 'out of himself, and moved by God' when he led the Virgin into the Chief Place in the Temple, beyond the second curtain--otherwise there could be no explanation of his action. Her parents then offered sacrifices to God, according the Law, received the priest's blessing and returned home, leaving the Most Holy Virgin in the Temple. She dwelt in the Temple for nine whole years. While her parents were alive, they visited her often. When they departed this life, the Holy Virgin was left an orphan, and longed to remain in the Temple for the rest of her life, without entering into marriage. This being contrary both to the Law and Israelite custom, she was confided at the age of twelve (12) to Saint Joseph, a kinsman of hers in Nazareth, so that she might, under the protection of betrothal, live in virginity and thus fulfill both her desire and the demands of the Law, for it was unknown in Israel at that time for a girl to vow perpetual virginity. The Holy Virgin Mary was the first to do this, and was later followed by thousands upon thousands of virgin men and women in the Church of Christ. (Her parents had reposed some three years before she was betrothed to Saint Joseph.) (Source: The Prologue from Ochrid)
[Rest from labor. Fish is allowed.]
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Apolytikion (Dismissal Hymn) of the Feast of the Presentation. Fourth Tone
Today is the prelude of God's good will and the heralding of the salvation of mankind. In the Temple of God, the Virgin is presented openly, and she proclaimeth Christ unto all. To her, then, with a great voice let us cry aloud: Rejoice, O thou fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation.
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Kontakion Hymn of the Feast. Fourth Tone
The sacred treasury of God's holy glory, the greatly precious bridal chamber and Virgin, the Savior's Most Pure Temple, free of stain and undefiled, into the House of the Lord on this day is brought forward and bringeth with herself the grace of the Most Divine Spirit; her do God's Angels hymn with songs of praise, for she is truly the Heavenly Tabernacle.
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ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST THE DIVINE SERVICES:
Orthros (Matins) at 9:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m.
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"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!"- Saint John Chrysostomos
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With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+Father George