Introduction to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary: how to prepare for the holiday

On December 4, Orthodox Christians celebrate one of the twelve great feasts — the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the temple. The date is one of the most important church celebrations related to the life of the Mother of God, and symbolizes Mary's dedication to God. The holiday is preceded by fasting and special prayer preparation, and on this day solemn divine services are held in all churches. What is the meaning of the church in this holiday, how to prepare for the liturgy and what traditions are associated with it — in the material of Izvestia.

What is the holiday on December 4th?

In the Orthodox tradition, December 4 marks the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the temple, one of the twelve feasts dedicated to the church tradition of how the righteous Joachim and Anna brought three—year-old Mary to the Jerusalem temple and handed her over to be raised at the temple service.

The event is described in apocryphal sources and recorded in the liturgical practice of the Eastern Church. In the theological interpretation, the holiday is perceived as an image of the dedication of the human soul to God and an omen of the messianic role of the Virgin.

Prayer and fasting before the Introduction

The holiday traditionally falls during the Christmas Fast, which in most jurisdictions of the Russian Orthodox Church begins at the end of November and lasts until Christmas. In this regard, preparations for the holiday include fasting discipline and intensive prayer practice.

For those wishing to participate in the sacrament of communion, parish rectors recommend preparing in advance: attend the all-night vigil and confession the day before, read the required canons and prayers, and follow pastoral instructions on fasting and food restrictions before communion.

Preparation at home is both practical and spiritual in nature: parishioners put their house in order, prepare lenten meals for the festive table, prepare icons and a prayer place, and plan church visits based on the schedule of services.

During major holidays, the number of worshippers increases, queues form for confession and communion, so it is advisable to arrive in advance, 20-40 minutes before the start of the service.

Divine services on December 4

The service includes established texts such as the troparion and kontakion of the Introduction (Glas 4), canons, verses and psalms, as well as readings from the Holy Scriptures related to the theme of the temple and dedication. On the eve of December 3, evening services and an all-night vigil are usually held in the parishes. On December 4, a festive Divine Liturgy with the singing of troparia and possible prayer services after the liturgy. Believers are encouraged to participate in the service entirely, since the Mystery of Communion is performed precisely during the liturgy.

Before going to the temple, it is necessary to check the schedule of a particular parish or cathedral on the official website. For new parishioners and those who have not attended services for a long time, the general rules are simple: modest and neat clothes, respectful behavior.