When believers celebrate the Introduction of the Holy Mother of God into the temple: date, traditions and history of the holiday

< /p> When they celebrate the Introduction of the Most Holy Theotokos into the temple/Collage of Radio MAXIMUM

One of the biggest church holidays of the year, the Introduction of the Most Holy Theotokos into the temple, is popularly known as the Third Pure. It is a special day for Orthodox believers.

This holiday symbolizes the beginning of an important stage in the life of the Virgin Mary and reminds us of her calling to serve God. We tell you when believers celebrate the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the Temple in Ukraine.

New date of celebration: adaptation to the calendar

With the transition to the new Julian calendar, which took place in Ukraine on September 1, 2023, the holiday is now celebrated on November 21– 13 days earlier than before. The tradition of its celebration dates back to the 9th century, when churches were already being built in honor of this event.

History of the holiday: Mary's journey to the temple

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the Temple marks the day when the three-year-old Virgin Mary was first brought to the temple. Her parents, the righteous Joachim and Anna, prayed for a long time for the gift of a child. When the Lord heard their prayers, they promised to dedicate their child to Him.

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The solemn event was accompanied by the support of the townspeople: people gathered to escort little Mary to the temple, where she was met by priests. This moment became a symbol of the future role of the Virgin Mary in the salvation of humanity.

What is permitted and prohibited on the day of the Third Most Pure

The holiday falls on the period of the Christmas fast, so the table should be lean, without meat and dairy products. In addition, folk traditions advise to avoid financial transactions: not to borrow money and not to borrow.

Peasants considered this day to be the symbolic end of autumn work: from Tretya Prechistaya, the land was left to “rest” until spring. And winter, as they believed, was soon to come into its own – the first frosts were expected on this day.

Folk omens and rites

The holiday is rich in folk customs. In particular, it was believed that water collected on this day in special places acquires healing power. Young girls, if it snowed, washed themselves with it, hoping for health and beauty. Also, believers must visit the temple to pray to the Holy Mother of God, asking for peace and well-being.

The Feast of the Introduction of the Holy Mother of God – it is not only a memory of events from her life, but also a reminder of the importance of faith, humility and readiness to serve. It is a day when the church unites everyone in common prayer and honoring the Mother of God.