The Orthodox Church commemorates the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple (Hypapante), marking the moment when Elder Simeon received Jesus Christ in the temple. This significant event is recorded in the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament.
It took place forty days after the birth of Jesus. Following the Law of Moses, Virgin Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to dedicate Him to God and offer a pair of turtle doves or two small pigeons.
Upon seeing Jesus in the temple, the righteous Simeon, an elderly priest, took Him in his arms and expressed his gratitude, saying: “Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.”
Simeon experienced spiritual fulfillment and praised God for allowing him to hold the Savior of the world in his arms. Jesus Christ, the image of the Trinity, brings healing and offers the gift of eternal life through the Holy Communion to the faithful.
Source: Church of Cyprus