The Feast of the Entrance

This is another of the Feasts in which we find no "historical" account in the Gospels but has been preserved for almost two thousand years as a part of the "inner" life of the Church. The Feast has been consecrated by centuries of prayers as well as the numerous icons which attest to its authenticity. Most evidence comes from the Protoevangelion of James.

On this day, Joachim and Anna bring their daughter to the Temple in Jerusalem. According to Jewish custom, when a child is three years old, weaned, and able to live without the mother, the parents dedicate the child to God. Joachim and Anna, who had a difficult time conceiving, made a particular vow at the birth of Mary to consecrate the child to God.

Their ascent to the Temple was a source of much joy and the High Priest Zachariah meet them at the courtyard, according to the story. And to the amazement of all, Mary entered into the Holy of Holies, the place where the Ark rested and none but the High Priest could enter. This boldness shocked the people but no one tried to stop her. This event serves to prefigure the future deliverance of humanity by the Savior whose coming was imminent. Mary will serve as the "New Ark", the "Holy of Holies", and the "New Temple" as God Himself will dwell in her and make her womb more spacious than the Heavens.

The legend continues that Mary remained and grew up in the Temple, dividing her time between work, study, and prayer. At the age of 15 she was betrothed to Joseph, an elderly widower who was an important person in the Temple. This was done to protect her and her consecrated virginity.