[acceraStoof]

Today is our own "Mother's Day". We are having a celebration this afternoon, with talks by university professors, a concert, and prayer for our Holy Theotokos. Each year at our Stegi tou paidi - Children's Shelter - we honour our Lady Theotokos. Our Mother. A Mother who represents all mothers who love and care and hurt for their children.

A really special day for us. All the politicians etc will be there with our Metropolitan and we'll probably be on TV again as last year - not that that matters. A special friend will also be singing a song she wrote, so that will be an extra pleasure.

I couldn't find any information on the net about this particular orthodox celebration we enjoy each year. Even on Orthodox sites I found only the commercial Mother's Day that is celebrated in May. Perhaps it is just the term used in Greece for describing this special day - yesterday was the 40 day presentation of Christ in the Temple

I am so unbelievably ignorant about so many things. It's no fun having to think in two languages.

Effie

[acceraStoof]

February the 2nd

MEETING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE


Troparion of the Meeting Tone 1
Rejoice, thou who art full of grace,/ Mother of God and Virgin,/ for from thee arose the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God,/ to give light to those in darkness./ Rejoice thou also, righteous Elder, who didst take in thine arms the Redeemer of our souls,/ Who also gives us the grace of resurrection.

Kontakion of the Meeting Tone 1
Thou Who didst sanctify the Virgin's womb by Thy birth/ and bless Symeon's hands as was fitting/ hast now come to us and saved us, O Christ our God./ But grant peace in the midst of wars to Thy community,/ and strengthen the Church which Thou hast loved,/ O only Lover of mankind.

February the 3rd

Troparion of the Feast Tone 1
Rejoice, thou who art full of grace,/ Mother of God and Virgin,/ for from thee arose the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God,/ to give light to those in darkness./ Rejoice thou also, righteous Elder, who didst take in thine arms the Redeemer of our souls,/ Who also gives us the grace of resurrection.

Kontakion of the Feast Tone 1
Thou Who didst sanctify the Virgin's womb by Thy birth/ and bless Symeon's hands as was fitting/ hast now come to us and saved us, O Christ our God./ But grant peace in the midst of wars to Thy community,/ and strengthen the Church which Thou hast loved,/ O only Lover of mankind.

[Logaleta]

Many happy returns of this day for you and your loved ones dear Effie!

[acceraStoof]

I had a terrific time yesterday.

Our church has traditionally honoured mothers on the 2nd of February each year. The day our Lady Theotokos presented christ in the temple after Her 40 day purification period, just as mothers do today. We honour all mothers for their dedication, their love, their sacrifices so that their children will be safe.

And even though the second Sunday of May has been designated as a world wide Mother's Day, the Orthodox continue to celebrate this day in February because it has a special meaning for us.

Effie

Effie