St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church

"For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, ...."
(John 9:39)

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Forty days after Christ was born he was presented to God in the Jerusalem Temple according to the Mosaic Law. Thus, forty days after Christmas, on the second of February, the Church celebrates the feast of the presentation called the Meeting (or Presentation) of the Lord.

The meeting of Christ by the elder Simeon and the prophetess Anna is the main event of the feast of Christ’s presentation in the Temple. It was revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. (Luke 2:26). Inspired by the same Spirit, he came to the Temple where he met the new-born Messiah, took him in his arms and said the words which are now chanted each evening at the end of the Orthodox Vesper service:

The Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple

Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me.

Kontakion - Tone 1

By Your nativity, You did sanctify the Virgin's womb,
And did bless Simeon's hands, O Christ God.
Now You have come and saved us through love.
Grant peace to all Orthodox Christians, O only Lover of man!

February 2

Holy Days in February:

February 2 - Meeting of Christ in the Temple
February 15 - Beginning Great Fast
February 27 - St. Raphael Bishop of Brooklyn
Also:
Memorial Saturdays - February 6 / February 27

Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word; for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation which Thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for the revelation to the Gentiles, and for Glory to Thy people Israel. (Luke 2:29-32)