On Nov. 21, we celebrate Entry of the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary into the Temple. The righteous Joachim and Anna had waited long, sorrowful years to be granted a child, and when the Lord at last gave them Mary in their old age, they vowed that when she was weaned, she would be offered to the Lord’s service in the Temple in Jerusalem. In the feast of the Entry into the Temple, we celebrate how this vow was fulfilled with thanksgiving and joy. Through their offering, the child Mary was raised up to become a temple and dwelling-place for God the Word—Jesus Christ our Lord.

We will observe the feast this year with abbreviated Festal Vespers following the Sunday Liturgy and on Monday, Nov. 21, with a Festal Liturgy at 9:30.

Learn more about the feast at OCA.org.