To Whom This May Concern

prophesied SIMEON

Икона "Умягчение злых сердец"

Mary "which flexes the hardened hearts"

In the Byzantine tradition the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple or "Holy Meeting "is unique because it combines elements of the great Feast of the Lord and the great Feast of the Theotokos (Mother of God). The party started yesterday and continues for seven days.

The holy Meeting was opened by a vigil all night, followed on the morning of the celebration of Divine Liturgy. Previously held by the blessing and sprinkling incense candles traditionally made by the assembly of prayer. The liturgy includes the major hymns written by St. Andrew, Bishop of Crete 7th century, and St. John of Damascus, 8th Century, among other great composers hymns of the first millennium.

is also that day that the Orthodox honor the miraculous icon of the Theotokos known as "The one flexes hardened hearts" or " Simeon prophesied. This icon depicts the Virgin Mary in prayer and the heart pierced by seven swords.

Wikipedia: Presentation of Jesus in the Temple , online

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