Today is the last day of the Post-Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos in the Temple
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Excerpt from Great Vespers with Litiya for the Feast:
Litiya
In Tone 1
Today let the heavens above greatly rejoice * and let the clouds pour down gladness * at the mighty and marvellous acts of our God. * For behold, the gate that looks towards the East, * born from a fruitless and barren womb according to the promise, * and consecrated to God as his dwelling, * is now being brought into the temple * as a spotless offering. * Let David greatly rejoice and play on his harp, saying: * Virgins shall be brought to the king after her; * her companions shall be brought into the ark of the Lord * to be nourished with the life of the Incorruptible One* who was begotten from eternity* for the salvation of our souls.
In Tone 4
Today the Theotokos, the Temple that is to contain God,* is being escorted into the temple of the Lord,* and Zechariah receives her.* Today the Holy of Holies greatly rejoices,* and the choir of angels mystically celebrates this feast.* Let us also celebrate with them today* and cry out with Gabriel:* Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you,* and He grants us great mercy.
Come all you people, * and let us praise the only Immaculate One* who was foretold by the prophets* and is being led into the temple.* She was chosen from eternity to be the Mother;* and in time she was revealed as the Theotokos.* O Lord, by her prayers grant us your peace and great mercy.
In Tone 5, Glory… Now…
A day of joy has truly dawned.* It is a most precious feast for us,* because she who was virgin before and after childbirth,* today is offered in the temple. * The aged Zechariah, father of the Forerunner, cries aloud, rejoicing:* The intercessor of those in affliction * comes into the holy temple, since she herself is holy. * She will be sanctified in the abode of the King of all. * Let her father, Joachim, be glad * and let Anne rejoice exceedingly, * because they have offered to God * the immaculate Queen as a three year old child. * Rejoice with them, all you women; * all you virgins and barren ones, dance for joy * and celebrate with them, * for the Queen of all has opened the kingdom of heaven for us. * Let all people be glad and rejoice.
