Entry of the Theotokos

This Thursday we celebrate the Greatfeast of the Entrance of the Theotokos. According to Holy Tradition, the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple took place in the following manner. The parents of the Virgin Mary, Saints Joachim and Anna, praying for an end to their childlessness, vowed that if a child were born to them, they would dedicate it to the service of God.

When the Most Holy Virgin reached the age of three, the holy parents decided to fulfill their vow. They gathered together their relatives and acquaintances, and dressed the All-Pure Virgin in Her finest clothes. Singing sacred songs and with lighted candles in their hands, virgins escorted Her to the Temple (Ps. 44/45:14-15). There the High Priest and several priests met the handmaiden of God. In the Temple, fifteen high steps led to the sanctuary, which only the priests and High Priest could enter. (Because they recited a Psalm on each step, Psalms 119 / 120-133 / 134 are called “Psalms of Ascent.”) The child Mary, so it seemed, could not make it up this stairway. But just as they placed Her on the first step, strengthened by the power of God, She quickly went up the remaining steps and ascended to the highest one. Then the High Priest, through inspiration from above, led the Most Holy Virgin into the Holy of Holies, where only the High Priest entered once a year to offer a purifying sacrifice of blood. Therefore, all those present in the Temple were astonished at this most unusual occurrence.

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Advent Wednesday Matins

Advent matins, Wednesday mornings at 7 am. Holy Trinity will be holding readers' matins on Wednesdays in Advent, beginning November 20. This contemplative service runs just under an hour and offers a chance to try reading in an intimate setting, or just quietly be present. If you arrive after 7, do knock (loudly!) on the church door to be let in. (Questions to Paul Purman: ppurman@comcast.net or 651.366.2828).

Donations Needed for FOCUS Food Shelf Thanksgiving Bags

We are in need of 30 bags of stuffing and 35 cans of cranberry sauce for our Thanksgiving bags. Donations need to be dropped off at Holy Trinity or FOCUS House by Thursday, November 21. Please contact Judy Purman with any questions (jpurman@comcast.net).

Nov. 24: Bishop Paul’s Visit and Ordination Luncheon

Bishop Paul will visit St Paul November 21–24. The primary objective of His Grace’s visit is to ordain three men to the Holy Deaconate—two are from Holy Trinity, Daniel Bassett and Luke Freeman, and one is from St Elizabeth parish, Craig Jarrell. To welcome Bishop Paul and celebrate this blessed event we are preparing a festive luncheon after Liturgy on November 24. There is a sign-up sheet in Archangel Michael Hall for those who would like to contribute food for the luncheon. It will be a joyous celebration! (Contact Mina Jacobs: minajacobs@gmail.com; tel: 907-306-7092)

Church School

Sunday classes: Nov. 24; Dec. 1, 15
Saturday class: Dec. 7

Adult Education

Note: No adult education this Sunday