December 4 - Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the Temple: History and Traditions of the Feast

Every year on December 4, the Church celebrates one of the important feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary - the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the Temple. On this day it is remembered how the righteous Joachim and Anna brought the three-year-old Mary to the Jerusalem temple, fulfilling their vow to dedicate their long-awaited daughter to God. In 2024, the celebration falls on a Wednesday. About the history and traditions of the date, as well as what is prayed before the holy image on the holiday, tell "Izvestia".

The essence of the feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Temple

According to tradition, the parents of the Virgin Mary for a long time could not have children. And only after long prayers, the Lord granted them a daughter. When the girl was three years old, she was dressed in the best clothes and with the singing of sacred songs was brought to the Jerusalem temple, where Mary was welcomed by the clergy headed by Priest Zachariah.

There she lived until her betrothal to the righteous Joseph. The girl was brought up in the company of pious virgins, practiced needlework and read diligently, growing in love for God.

In the Orthodox tradition this day is honored as one of the main holidays of children's spiritual education and upbringing. In sermons held on December 4, priests often talk about the importance of introducing children to the faith, and parishioners bring their sons and daughters who have reached the age of seven to the first confession. Until this age, children are considered sinless and receive communion without repentance.

Also on the holiday it is customary to give gifts to their godchildren and treat them with sweets.

Happy Entrance into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary: touching congratulations, heartfelt poems

What is prayed for on the day of the Entrance into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary on December 4

It is noteworthy that originally the plot of the Presentation of the Virgin into the Temple was only a part of the hagiography of the Most Pure Virgin. Later it became firmly rooted in the liturgical and iconographic tradition. Usually the icons depict little Mary in the center of the composition, accompanied by her parents, Priest Zacharias and Jewish virgins.

Before this holy image one prays for healing from illnesses, strengthening in faith, deliverance from temptations and temptations. But first of all, prayers are offered to the Virgin Mary as a symbol of the continuation of the human race for family well-being and the birth of children.

Christmas Lent - 2024: when it begins, traditions and prohibitions

In 2024, Lent will begin on November 28 and run through January 6

What you can and can not do on the church holiday on December 4

Traditionally, the preparation for one of the most important Christian holidays - the Nativity of Christ, which is preceded by the Christmas fast, begins with the Entrance. In 2024 it began on November 28 and will last until January 6, 2025.

During this period there are a number of regulations for believers. The strictest ones fall on the first stage of the fast: from November 28 to December 19. First of all, we are talking about two days of the week - Wednesday and Friday. During these days it is allowed to eat only water, raw fruits and vegetables, as well as bread and honey. At the same time on the holiday itself it is allowed to drink a small amount of wine.

In addition, as on other big church dates, in the Entrance into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary it is forbidden to conflict, swear and refuse to help the needy.

Earlier "Izvestia" told about the traditions of celebrating the Cathedral of Archangel Michael, which was celebrated at the end of November.