According to Holy Tradition, Saints Joachim and Anna dedicated their daughter Mary to God after long prayers for a child. When the Virgin reached the age of three, they brought Her to the Temple with solemn procession. Strengthened by divine grace, the young Mary ascended the Temple’s steps and was led by the High Priest into the Holy of Holies—an entrance permitted only to the High Priest and only once a year. This extraordinary event revealed her unique calling in God’s plan.

The Virgin remained in the Temple, living among dedicated maidens, reading Scripture, praying, and growing in purity and love for God. Chosen from the lineage of the righteous—from Adam through Seth, through David, and finally through Joachim and Anna—she became the perfectly prepared “new root” of humanity from whom Christ would take flesh. The Fathers of the Church, including St. Gregory Palamas, teach that her purity and divine election made her the fitting Mother of the Incarnate Word, the new Adam who would restore fallen humanity.

The Feast of the Entry of the Theotokos celebrates the beginning of our salvation, for in Mary’s dedication we see the preparation of the living Temple who would bear Christ Himself. Her entry prefigures the opening of heaven to humankind and invites believers to turn from earthly desires to spiritual treasures. In honoring her with praise and thanksgiving, we draw near to Christ, who was born of her for our salvation, and we seek through her intercession to inherit the eternal blessings prepared for those who love God.

Troparion — Tone 4

Today is the prelude of the good will of God, / of the preaching of the salvation of mankind. / The Virgin appears in the temple of God, / in anticipation proclaiming Christ to all. / Let us rejoice / and sing to her: / "Rejoice, O Fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation."

Kontakion — Tone 4

The most pure Temple of the Savior; / the precious Chamber and Virgin; / the sacred Treasure of the glory of God, / is presented today to the house of the Lord. / She brings with her the grace of the Spirit, / therefore, the angels of God praise her: / “Truly this woman is the abode of heaven.”