This holiday was established in memory of the introduction of the Virgin Mary into the Jerusalem Temple for dedication to God, in accordance with the vow given by Her parents. The Blessed Virgin was only three years old at this time. She was brought to the church by her parents, accompanied by maidens, with burning lamps and singing sacred songs. The High Priest met Her at the entrance to the church and, by the special inspiration of God, led Her into the Holy of Holies, where he himself could, according to the law, enter only once a year, as if predicting that this Young Lady herself would become an animated church of God.
The meaning and significance of this holiday is expressed by the following church hymns:
Troparion.
Today is the day of God’s favor, the transfiguration, and the salvation of men is preached: in the church of God the Virgin clearly appears and announces Christ to everyone. To that we too will loudly cry out: Rejoice, fulfillment of the Creator’s vision.
Now is the foreshadowing (foreshadowing) of God’s favor (to people) and the sermon about the salvation of people: in the church of God the Virgin solemnly appears and announces to everyone about Christ. To her we too will loudly exclaim: Rejoice, fulfillment of the Creator’s providence for us.
Kontakion.
The most pure church of the Savior, the valuable palace and the Virgin, the sacred treasure of the glory of God, is today introduced into the house of the Lord, the grace of the Divine Spirit, even as the Angels of God sing: This is the heavenly village.
Greatness.
We magnify You, most holy Virgin, God’s chosen Youth, and we honor Your entry into the church of the Lord.
Zadostoynik.
The angels, seeing the entry of the Most Pure One, were surprised: how the Virgin entered the Holy of Holies.
Song 9. Like the animate ark of God, let no evil hand touch it, but in the mouth of the faithful to the Mother of God, the voice of an Angel sings and cries out with joy: truly you are above all, O pure Virgin. The hand of the uninitiated by no means touches the animated ark of God; the lips of the faithful, chanting incessantly the appeal of the Angel to the Mother of God, exclaim in joy: truly you are above all, pure Virgin.