The Virgin Mary: A Celebration of Our Faith: Session 2: The Virgin Mary is Recognized as Holy—Junior Group

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

Objectives:

• Retell briefly the story of Joachim and Anna and their daughter’s entrance into the temple.
• Tell how Mary listened for and responded to God’s call.
• Compare the Virgin Mary’s presentation at the temple to the Presentation of the Lord.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the icon of the feast.
  

Resources:

• Bible
• Bible aids
• Luke 2: 22 - 40
• 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

• The story of the Virgin Mary’s entrance is attached.
  

Icons

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