Presentation of our Lord in the Temple

 

The Presentation of Christ into the Temple is one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church, celebrated on February 2.

 

Forty days after Jesus Christ's birth, the Theotokos and her betrothed, Joseph, brought her Son to the Temple to make the customary offering for purification; a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons (in Joseph's basket). There, the prophetess Anna and the aged Simeon met them. St. Simeon had been one of the translators of the Septuagint. While they were translating Isaiah 7:14, it was prophesied that Simeon would not die until he had witnessed its fulfilment. Here he receives the young pre-eternal God Incarnate just as he was promised he would before his death. Then St. Simeon praised God and said, "Now lettest Thou Thy servant departs in peace, O Master."

 

 

Hymns

Troparion (Tone 1)

Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of grace!

From you shone the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God.

Enlightening those who sat in darkness!

Rejoice, and be glad, O righteous elder;

You accepted in your arms the Redeemer of our souls,

Who grants us the Resurrection.

 
In Arabic