November 21 - The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

On November 21 the church celebrates one of its biggest holidays – the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin. Anna and Joakim were childless for many years. They prayed in earnest that God grant them a child with a promise that should their wish be fulfilled they would pledge their child to his holy Temple. Faithful to their word, the parents presented Mary to the holy Temple at the age of three, on November 21 – to consecrate to God and to prepare for her divine mission of the Holy Mother. On that day the Orthodox church celebrates also the day of the Christian Family and the Christian Youth. The whole family going to church on November 21 symbolizes Mary’s entering the Temple and should remind parents of their spiritual responsibility to their children. The holiday refers to the coming winter and the expectation of the Church festivals of the Nativity.