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In the Icon of the Entrance of the Mother of God, Mary
is shown as a young girl being escorted to the Temple by her parents,
Joachim and Anna. She is also accompanied by the holy virgins carrying
candles. In all the icons of the Presentation, the High Priest greets
the holy family at the entrance of the Temple. |
Entrance of the Mother of God into the Temple, November 21st
The feast of the Entrance of the Mother of God into the Temple
praises and glorifies God for His plan of salvation. God prepares for Himself a
holy dwelling place. The Byzantine Church never tires of praising the Mother of
God for her role in our salvation. She is called the "Heavenly Tabernacle" in
the Kontakion of the Feast, and the "Living Tabernacle of God" in the Hirmos.
She is given these titles because in her womb the Word of God has taken flesh
and dwelt among us. Her body is the living tabernacle of the incarnate Word and,
through her, God has taken on our human nature and elevated us to become
"sharers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1: 4). God, Who is beyond our reach and
beyond our grasp, comes to dwell among us. This is God's plan, and in the Virgin
Mary, this plan of salvation was achieved.
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