Introduction to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary – 2025: date, history and meaning of the holiday

Every year on December 4, the church celebrates one of the most important twelve—day feasts - the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the temple. On this day, they remember how the righteous Joachim and Anna brought three-year-old Mary to the Jerusalem temple, fulfilling their vow to dedicate their long-awaited daughter to God. In 2025, the celebration falls on Thursday. Izvestia tells about the history and traditions of the date, as well as what is prayed before the holy image on the holiday.

The essence of the holiday is the Introduction to the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos

According to legend, Joachim and Anna could not have children for a long time. After many years of prayer, the Lord gave them a daughter, Mary. When she was three years old, her parents dressed her up in her best clothes and brought her to the temple with sacred chants. There, Mary was received by the priests, led by the high priest Zachariah.

In the temple, she was raised among pious virgins, engaged in needlework and studied reading, and grew up in love with God. Later, she was betrothed to the righteous Joseph.

Traditions of the December 4th holiday

In the Orthodox tradition, this day is considered an important date in the spiritual upbringing of children. During the festive services, priests emphasize the importance of early initiation into the faith. Parents bring their children to their first confession when they turn seven. Up to this age, the Orthodox Church considers children to be sinless, and they receive communion without repentance. On a holiday, it is customary to give godchildren small gifts and sweets.

Initially, the story of the entry of the Virgin Mary into the temple was only a part of the life of the Virgin Mary, but later it became an important topic of worship and icon painting. The icons usually depict little Mary accompanied by her parents, Priest Zachariah and other virgins, pupils of the temple.

Before the image of the Most Holy Theotokos, they pray for health, strengthening faith, protection from temptation, as well as for family happiness and the birth of children.

What can and cannot be done on December 4th

The entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the temple marks the beginning of preparations for the Nativity of Christ and the Nativity fast. In 2025, the fast will start on November 28 and last until January 6, 2026.

Special restrictions apply at the initial stage of the fast — from November 28 to December 19. On Wednesday and Friday, believers are advised to consume only water, fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as bread and honey. A small amount of wine is allowed on the day of the holiday.

As on other important church dates, on the feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the temple, one should not quarrel, use profanity and refuse to help those who need it.