Entrance into the Temple of the Theotokos

Entrance into the Temple of the Theotokos by Huwaida Bouri (Nov. ’01)

One of the most important feast days of the Eastern Orthodox Church is the Entrance into the Temple of the Mother of God. The month of November brings the thought of Thanksgiving dinner to many of our minds. Although, to us Eastern Orthodox Christians, November should signify the presentation of the Virgin Mary. This feast day reminds us that God’s selection of the Virgin Mary was not arbitrary, but one based upon a long line of truly devoted servants of God. Joachim and his wife, Anna, had prayed that they might have a child. They made a solemn promise that if a child were born to them, it would be dedicated to the service of God. Anna was granted a girl, who she named Mary. Joachim and Anna, faithful to their word, presented their daughter to the Holy Temple at the age of three, on November 21. By her entrance into the Temple, Mary passed through all the stages of the spiritual life: purification, illumination, and union with God. These three stages also signify the three parts of the Temple.

Mary remained in the house of God for twelve years. At the age of fifteen Mary transpired a purity and wholesomeness found in no other being of God. During her years in the Temple of God, saintly Mary was not only a flawless maiden, but she gained the wisdom and faith of the deepest scholars. This was something uncommon in females in those days. Under the religious traditions found in the Old Testament, a virgin of the Temple was betrothed to some good man when she reached a certain age. Mary was betrothed to one of her kinsman, a faithful man named Joseph, who lived in the town of Nazareth. There he worked as a carpenter.

Mary left Jerusalem for Nazareth to live with Joseph. It was at the temple that the Virgin Mary was visited by the Archangel Gabriel, who was sent by the Almighty Himself. This wisp of a girl, mortal but blessed, was told that she was to become the mother of the Son of God. Mary welcomed the news in both complete tranquility, and delight. She engaged herself with the household duties, but also found time to read many religious books and to commune regularly with God through prayer. Orthodox Christians see the Virgin Mary as “Panagia,” which translates into the all-holy saint.