The Feast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple of the Lord Celebrated by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem
The Patriarchate of Jerusalem commemorated the Feast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple of the Lord on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. This significant feast reminds the Church, especially in Jerusalem, of the moment when the Theotokos, the daughter of the Holy Ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, was presented to the Priests of Solomon’s Temple at the age of three. She remained in the temple until the age of 13 when she was entrusted to Joseph the Betrothed to fulfill God’s plan for our salvation.
The Church proclaims on this day: “The sacred treasury of God’s holy glory… into the House of the Lord on this day is brought forward and bringeth with herself the grace of the Most Divine Spirit” (Kontakion).
The celebrations took place at the Holy Monastic Church of Saints Constantine and Helen, led by His Beatitude, Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos. The Christmas season was inaugurated with the chanting of “Christ is born, give Him glory.” The festivities continued at the Holy Monastery of Megali Panagia, where Vespers were held on Tuesday afternoon and the Divine Liturgy on Wednesday morning, led by Archbishop Aristovoulos of Madaba. Several dignitaries and clergy members were in attendance, including Archimandrites and Hierodeacons.
During the Divine Liturgy, His Beatitude and other clergy members visited the Holy Monastery and were graciously hosted by the Abbess, Reverend Nun Melani, who provided hospitality and treats to all attendees. The Consul General of Greece in Jerusalem, Dimitrios Angelosopoulos, also participated in the celebrations.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
