This holiday was established in memory of the event, which the Evangelist Luke narrates in this way (chapter 2, vv. 22-39, according to Russian translation) (Luke 2:22-39):
When the days of their purification (Mother and Child) according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present him before the Lord, as it is prescribed in the law of the Lord, that every male child who opens the womb should be dedicated to the Lord (Ex. 13:2); and to sacrifice, according to what is said in the law of the Lord, two turtle doves or two chicks of pigeons. Then there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was a righteous and pious man, looking forward to the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. He was predicted by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he saw Christ the Lord. And he came by inspiration to the church. And when the parents brought the Baby Jesus to perform the legal rite over Him, he took Him in his arms, blessed God and said: now you are releasing Your servant, O Master, according to Your word, in peace; For mine eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared before the face of all nations, a light to enlighten the Gentiles and the glory of Your people Israel. Joseph and His Mother marveled at what was said about Him.
And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, His Mother: Behold, this One lies for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel and for the subject of controversy, and a weapon will pierce Your own soul, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed... And when they had done everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their city of Nazareth.
Troparion.
Rejoice, blessed Virgin Mary, for from You has arisen the Sun of righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those in darkness: rejoice also, O righteous elder, being received into the arms of the Liberator of our souls, who gives us resurrection.
Kontakion.
The womb of the Maiden was sanctified by Thy Nativity, and the hand of Simeon was blessed, as befitting, Thou didst foresee and now save us, O Christ God: but pacify the life in battle, and strengthen the Emperor, whom Thou hast loved, the only one who loves mankind. Having previously sanctified the womb of the Virgin with Your Nativity and blessed the hands of Simeon, as it should be, now You have saved us, O Christ God: send peace to society in the midst of battles, and strengthen the Emperor, whom You loved as the only lover of mankind.
Greatness.
We magnify Thee, life-giving Christ, and honor Thy most pure Mother, Who, according to the law, has now been brought into the church of the Lord.
Irmosy.
1. The sun sometimes invades the dry land of the deep earth: like a wall, for the water has thickened, for people walking on foot and singing in a manner pleasing to God: I will drink to the Lord, for I will be glorified gloriously.
Once upon a time the sun walked over dry land, born from the depths; for the water became solid like a wall on both sides, when the people of Israel walked across the sea on foot and sang pleasingly to God: Let us sing to the Lord, for He is majestically glorified.
3. Confirmation of those who trust in You, Lord, establish the Church that You have acquired with Your honest blood.
4. Thy virtue has covered the heavens, O Christ, for from the ark, having passed through Thy shrine, the incorruptible Mother, Thou didst appear in the church of Thy glory, like a child holding hands: and was filled with all Thy praise.
5. As I saw Isaiah figuratively on the throne, God was exalted, from the Angel of glory Dorinosima, O accursed one, I cried out! Foresee for God is incarnate, the Light of the unvespers and ruling the world.
Your glory, O Christ, has covered the heavens; for, having come from Your consecrated ark, from Your most immaculate Mother, You appeared in the church of Your glory like a baby carried in your arms; and everything was filled with Your praise.
When Isaiah saw God in a significant image, exalted on a throne, surrounded by angels of glory, then he exclaimed: oh, wretched me! I have already seen God, who will become incarnate and will rule over the everlasting light and peace. (Isa.6:1-3).
6. I cried out to You, having seen with my eyes the salvation that came to people from God: Christ, You are my God.
7. To you in the fires of the youths who have watered the gods and in the virgin of the incorruptible all, let us praise God of the Word, piously singing: blessed is God our father.
8. Unbearable fire united... (See above).
Virgin Mary, the hope of Christians, cover, protect and save those who trust in You.
9. In the law of the canopy and the scriptures we see an image of the faithful: every male sex, opening the lie, is holy to God. Thus we magnify the first-born Word of the Father without beginning, and the first-born Matter without artifice.
In the ritual and decree of the Mosaic Law, we see, faithful, a prototype (of the celebrated event): every male child who opens the womb is dedicated to God. Therefore, we magnify the first-born Word of the beginningless Father, the Son, without a man, the first-born Matter.