The Orthodox Church celebrates on 4th December (21 November in the Church Calendar) the Feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Mother of God into the Temple of Jerusalem.
Thus, early morning, Metropolitan Vladimir of Chisinau and all Moldova was greeted by archpriest Vadim Cheibas, the Cathedral Dean, and the church-goers present in the holy shrine, to conduct the celebration of the Divine Liturgy dedicated to the Feast.
During the Service, Metropolitan Vladimir ordained subdeacon Dionisie Tonu into the dignity of deacon, appointing the young cleric to ministry in the Nativity of the Lord Metropolitan Cathedral.
The Feast of the Entry of the Mother of God into the Temple is the first Great Feast celebrated during the Advent of the Nativity of the Lord.
It is mentioned in the Church history as early as the 4th century AD. According to the Church Tradition, Infant Mary was 3 years when she was brought into the Temple by her parents, Blessed Joachim and Anna, and consecrated to the service of God. The Holy Virgin stayed there till she turned 15, growing in piety and wisdom of God among other children that were raised in the Jerusalem Temple.
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