The Feast of the Entry into the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated since ancient times. Earlier that day, it was customary to pray in the temple, and during the day to visit each other, ride a sleigh and bring cherry twigs to the house. The holiday has its roots in a very distant past. On the day when the parents left the baby under the arches of the Jerusalem Temple in order to forever bequeath her life to God.
history of the holiday
A clean and bright Orthodox holiday is celebrated by the Christian world on December 4. This date is not easy. For all believers, it is full of deep meaning. According to legend, on this day the parents of the Virgin - Saints Jaokim and Anna - led their little daughter to the temple. Thus, they fulfilled the vow given to God - to devote a prayed and long-awaited child to His service. No matter how sad it was to part with your beloved daughter, they could not break the word given to the Almighty. Moreover, it was only thanks to him that Jaokim and Anna knew parental happiness.
The baby was met upstairs by the high priest Zachary, who had a vision the day before. It said that for a girl who came to the temple of God that day, a very important role was prepared in this world. It must be protected, like the apple of an eye and treats with special trepidation and tenderness. Therefore, the minister of the church took her immediately to the Holy of Holies - the place where the Tablets of the Testament were kept. Even he was allowed to go there only once a year.
Since then, little Mary began an interesting and righteous life under the arches of the Jerusalem Temple, filled with humility and love. Raised her pious virgins. The girl grew up in rigor and obedience. Spent the days in prayer service. This went on until that momentous event when she was engaged to the righteous Joseph. And in the life of the Holy Virgin a new page began.
What products are allowed for Introduction to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary?
The holiday falls at the time of the Christmas fast. Therefore, meat products are prohibited for use, only fish and lean products are allowed to eat. Believers pray on this day in a temple or at home, offering thanks to the Virgin Mary and asking her for intercession and protection.
