Presentation of the Holy Mother-of-God to the Temple

Presentation of the Holy Mother-of-God to the Temple

The Feast of the Presentation of the Holy Mother-of-God to the Temple is celebrated by all the traditional churches on November 21.

According to custom, devout Jewish parents presented their children to the temple at a young age. Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anna, brought their young daughter to the Temple in Jerusalem to consecrate her to God. According to tradition, Mary remained there for a time and was given over to the care of pious widows and maidens who lived at the temple. After seven years, Mary became betrothed to Joseph the carpenter.