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The Virgin Mary: A Celebration of Our Faith: Session 2: The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple—Intermediate Group


Theme Of Lesson: The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple
Sub-Theme Mary’s holliness and purity

Objectives:

  • Examine the Troparion of the Feast and the key words, especially “prelude,” “anticipation,” and “dispensation.” [Use the Festal Troparion as the opening prayer.]
  • Tell what it means when Mary is described as a “living temple of God.”
  • Give examples of others who are “living temples of God” and how we also can become “living temples.”
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the icon of the feast and compare to the icon of the Presentation of Our Lord.

Resources:

  • Bible
  • Bible aids
  • Luke 2: 22 – 40; and 41 – 50.
  • Psalm 45: 13 – 17


Liturgy, Feasts, Hymns:

Troparion of the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotkos into the Temple (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 Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple (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 / which the Angels of God do praise.
Truly this woman is the Abode of Heaven!


Saints, Stories, Literature

  • Attached is the tradition of the Presentation of the Theotokos at the Temple.


Icons

  • A copy of both icons will be included, as well as the section from The Icon Book.

Teacher’s Notes & Discussion-Starter Questions:

  • Compare the Presentation of the Theotokos to the presentation of Christ in the Temple to Simeon and Anna. Also compare the pilgrimage Mary and Joseph made to the temple when Christ was twelve. Connect the tradition of Mary’s presentation as preparation for Christ’s teaching the elders when he was twelve. Discussion questions from Celebration: Feasts and Holy Days are attached.