The Presentation of the Virgin to the Temple

"Today is the prelude of the good will of God, of the preaching of the salvation of mankind. The Virgin appears in the Temple of God, in anticipation proclaiming Christ to all. Let us rejoice and sing to her: Rejoice, O fulfillment of the Creator’s dispensation!"

    The Feast of the Presentation of the Theotokos to the Temple celebrates entry into the life of the Temple. Joachim and Anna were very old when Mary was born. As Anna had promised, she brought Mary to the Temple, as a young girl of three and dedicated her to God’s service. It was customary for many young Jewish virgins and widows to live at the temple where they studied the Word of God and performed temple service.

    When Mary was presented to the High Priest, he took her into the sanctuary, which was called the "Holy of Holies", where he was allowed once a year. Mary studied and served in the temple until the age of 14. At that time, she was betrothed, following a religious custom, to Joseph. Mary went to Nazareth with Joseph, where she continued her religious life of prayer and study. It was there in Nazareth that Mary was visited by the angel who told her she would be the mother of Jesus, God’s Son.

    The Virgin Mary is called the Theotokos, which in the Greek language means: "She who bears God."