The Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos (The Virgin Mary) into the Temple (also called the Presentation of the Theotokos) is one of the Twelve Great Feasts (Dodecaorton) of the Orthodox Church, celebrated on December 4 on the New Calendar. It commemorates the event when the three-year-old Virgin Mary was dedicated to God by her parents, Joachim and Anna, and brought to live in the Jerusalem Temple, where she remained until her betrothal to Joseph.

Historical Basis

According to sacred tradition, Mary’s parents, who were childless for a long time, vowed that if a child was born to them, they would dedicate it to God’s service. When Mary turned three, she was solemnly brought to the temple. There, she was met by the high priest (traditionally identified as Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist). Mary was raised in the temple in piety until the age of twelve.

Theological Significance

1. A Symbol of Dedication to God: The feast emphasizes the human soul’s readiness to encounter God. Mary becomes the “animated temple,” preparing for her role as the Mother of God.
   
2. A Foreshadowing of the Incarnation: The Entry of the Theotokos is seen as a stage in the divine plan of salvation—a preparation for the coming of Christ into the world.
   
3. An Example of Holiness: From an early age, Mary exemplified the virtues of humility, purity, and obedience.

Liturgical Features

• In Orthodox worship, the feast is marked by special hymns that contrast the Old Testament temple with the Theotokos as the “living temple” of God.
• An All-Night Vigil is served, and the Old Testament readings (parables) focus on themes of sacred service and dedication.

Images above: Online greeting cards for Russians to send on this holiday

Folk Traditions

In Russia, the feast was called “Vvedenie” (Introduction) and was associated with the onset of winter. From this day, the first winter fairs would open, and sleigh rides would begin. A popular saying went: “Vvedenie has come—it has brought winter.” («Введение пришло — зиму привело»)

The Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple is a feast that reminds us of the importance of spiritual dedication and inner preparation for a meeting with the Divine. It highlights the role of the Mother of God in the history of salvation and serves as an example of devotion to God from the earliest years of life.

For believers, this day is an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of the temple as a place of God’s special presence and on the personal calling to holiness.