Presentation of the Lord among Western Christians (02/02)

Presentation of the Lord — is a Christian holiday celebrated in Catholicism, Orthodoxy and some Protestant denominations, including Lutheranism. The holiday was established in memory of the significant event for Christians — meeting (Slavic meeting) in the Jerusalem Temple of the Child Jesus with the righteous Elder Simeon.

The bringing of the baby Jesus Christ to the Jerusalem Temple by his parents took place on the 40th day after Christmas and on the 32nd day after Circumcision. Therefore, the Catholic Church celebrates it on February 2.

Presentation in the Roman Catholic Church — is the feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary, dedicated to the memory of the bringing of the baby Jesus to the temple and the cleansing rite performed by his mother on the fortieth day after the birth of her first child.

At the entrance to the temple, the Mother of God was met by Saint Simeon, who was told that he would not die until he saw Christ, and the old woman Anna, who lived at the temple. As prescribed by the Law of Moses, the parents brought the Child Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem on the 40th day after birth to perform the rite of passage.

Evangelist Luke tells that when Mary stood in the Temple with the Child Jesus in her arms, Elder Simeon, known in the city for his wisdom and righteousness, approached her. Seeing the baby Jesus, he took him in his arms and said: «Today you are releasing your servant, Master, according to Your word, in peace; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared before the face of all nations, the light for the enlightenment of the pagans, and the glory of Your people Israel» (Lk. 2:29-32).

In the Catholic Church, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord has been called Candlemas (Chandeleur) since time immemorial. In memory of the words of the righteous Simeon, who called Jesus the «light to the enlightenment of the pagans», on the Feast of Candlemas, from 11 pm, a ceremony of consecrating candles is performed in churches, which are then lit during the service.

Believers carefully preserve Sretensky candles throughout the year and light them when they pray to Christ in difficult moments: during illness, family troubles and other everyday difficulties.

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord refers to the oldest holidays of the Christian Church. But, despite its early origins, this holiday was not celebrated so solemnly until the 6th century. In 528, under Emperor Justinian (527—565), Antioch suffered a disaster — earthquake, which killed many people. This misfortune was followed by another. In 544, a pestilence appeared, carrying away several thousand people every day. During these days of national disaster, it was revealed to one of the pious Christians to celebrate the Presentation of the Lord more solemnly.

When an all-night vigil and procession of the cross were held on the day of the Presentation of the Lord, the disasters in Byzantium stopped. In gratitude to God, the Church in 544 established to celebrate the Presentation of the Lord more solemnly. Thus, this day was included in the twelve especially solemn church-wide celebrations of the — twelfth holidays.

The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the Presentation of the Lord according to the new style — on February 15.

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