The Presentation and Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple

 

When the Virgin Mary became three years old, Her God-fearing parents prepared themselves to carry out their vow: they took Her to the temple in Jerusalem in order to consecrate Her to God. Mary was left to stay at the temple, in a special school for girls.

There She, with the other maidens, was taught the Law of God as well as handiwork. She prayed and read the Scriptures.

The Blessed Virgin lived at the temple for approximately eleven years and grew up to be deeply pious and obedient to Him, as well as very modest and industrious.  Willing only to serve God, She gave a vow to never marry and to remain forever a virgin.

 

November 21st
Troparion (Tone 4)
Today the Virgin is the foreshadowing of the pleasure of God, and the beginning of the preaching of the salvation of mankind. Thou hast appeared in the Temple of God openly and hast gone before, preaching Christ to all. Let us shout with one thrilling voice, saying: Rejoice, O thou who art the fulfilment of the Creator’s dispensation.