Entrance of the Theotokos - Notes

The story of Mary’s entrance into the Temple as a very young child reminds us that she was chosen by God for her special role as the Theotokos or Birthgiver of God. The story is part of Holy Tradition rather than being found in the New Testament, but we are prepared for it in the prophecies of the Old Testament, especially in the Book of Isaiah and the words of Psalm 45, verses 10-15.

The Troparion for the Feast tells us that the Virgin “appears in the temple of God.” This, of course, is an experience she shares with Jesus Christ, whose presentation to the Temple is also a feast of the Church. Mary is the only human creature to share this with Our Lord. The Kontakion for the Feast refers to Mary herself as “the pure Temple of the Savior.” By her agreement to God’s plan, she not only enters the Temple but becomes the temple, the dwelling place, of God. In the words of the Kontakion she becomes the “abode of heaven.”

We are called to be "abodes" of the Holy Spirit. This is what we ask in one of the most familiar Orthodox prayers: O heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth; Treasury of blessings and Giver of Life; COME AND ABIDE IN US, and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.

We are also called to God’s service, as Mary was, even though her service was unique and will never be repeated or equaled. The session gives participants a chance to learn about four female saints who have something in common with Mary. The first is Nonna, who was both a homemaker and a spiritual example for her son, St. Gregory the Theologian. She also brought her pagan husband into Christianity. This reminds us of the depiction of the Theotokos in the icon of the Nativity of Jesus Christ, encouraging Joseph to give up his doubt and believe in the divine birth of Jesus.

The second saint, Paraskeva the New, heeded the words of the Lord as Mary did. Like Mary, she gave up her whole way of life to do so.

The protomartyr Thecla was also changed by hearing the Word of God, in her case by secretly listening to the preaching of the Apostle Paul.

Eupraxia was drawn to the life of monasticism, and her mother had to give her up—she would no longer be part of her family. Of course, Mary gave up her Son, and her parents had to give her up when they took her to the Temple to be prepared for her great destiny as Theotokos.

As the group discusses during the session, refer to these notes to bring in various points so that participants can relate them to their own lives. These points can also help them have a deeper understanding of the importance of this feast.