Vespers for the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 

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,
 Therefore, the angels of God praise her: "Truly this woman is the abode of heaven."

Kontakion of the Feast

All Are Invited 

Feast of the Presentation

of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 Vespers

November 21, 2008

6 p.m.

Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Leche

 y Buen Parto

St. Augustine, Florida

 

This feast originated in that of the dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary the New, which was built in 543 near the site of the Temple. The basilica was destroyed, but the feast was celebrated throughout the East, where it is one of the Twelve Great Feasts.  In the Roman Catholic Church, 21 November is also Pro Orantibus Day, a day of praying for cloistered religious "totally dedicated to God in prayer, silence and concealment.”