day 21

November 21: Entry Of Our All-Holy Mistress, The Theotokos & Ever-Virgin Mary, Into The Temple

On “Lord, I have cried…”, 4 stichera, in Tone I: Spec. Mel.: “Joy of the ranks of heaven…”—

Troparion, in Tone IV—

The 21st Day Of The Month Of November

Having received from the Lord the fruit of the promise, the Mother of God, the right-acceptable sacrifice, Joachim and Anna lead her into the temple today; and Zachariah, the great high priest, receiveth her with his blessing. Twice

The Entry Of Our All-Holy Mistress,

The holy of holies is fittingly brought to dwell in the sanctuary as a sacrifice pleasing to God; and virgins, well adorned with the virtues, bearing candles before her, escort her to the Lord, as a most hallowed vessel.

The Theotokos & Ever-Virgin Mary, Into The Temple

Let the portal of the God-receiving temple be opened! For today the temple and throne of the King of all is received therein with glory! Joachim bringeth her forth, dedicating to the Lord her who was chosen by Him to be His Mother.

At Little Vespers

Glory…, Now & ever…, in Tone VIII—

David foretold thee, O all-pure one, foreseeing the sanctification of thine entry into the Temple. Therein do the ends of the earth, holding festival today, glorify thee, O all-hymned one. For, O Mother of the Word of life, who before giving birth wast Virgin and after giving birth remained incorrupt, today Zachariah maketh merry in the Temple, accepting thee, O Mistress; and the Holy of Holies rejoiceth, receiving thee, the wellspring of our life. Wherefore, we also cry out in psalms to thee: Beseech thy Son and our God in our behalf, that He grant us great mercy.

On the aposticha, these stichera, in Tone II: Spec. Mel.: “O house of Ephratha…”—

O ye heavenly gates, accept ye into the Holy of holies the Virgin, the undefiled tabernacle of God Almighty.

Stichos: The virgins that follow after her shall be brought unto the King, those near her shall be brought unto Thee.

O ye choirs of virgins, receive into the Holy of holies the pure Virgin as the Bride of God, the King of all, splendidly bearing candles.

Stichos: They shall be brought with gladness and rejoicing, they shall be brought into the temple of the King.

The bridal-chamber of God the Word receiveth noetic bread from the hands of the divine angel, while making her habitation in the Holy of holies.

Glory…, Now & ever…, in the same melody—

The thrice-radiant Light enkindling thee, O Theotokos, in the temple of glory, sendeth thee heavenly food, magnifying thee.

Today is the prelude of God’s good will and the proclamation of the salvation of men. The Virgin hath manifestly appeared in the temple of God and proclaimeth Christ unto all. To her let us cry aloud: Rejoice, O thou fulfillment of the Creator’s dispensation!