Renovation

All of the virtues and powers of God are attained primarily by prayer. Without prayer, there is no spiritual life. Prayer is natural and we were fashioned by God to live a life of prayer. It should be brief and regular so that it can be kept in all conditions and circumstances. To remind yourself that it is "face to face," place an icon of Christ before you as you pray. Below is a Prayer of Repentance.

Meeting of the Lord in the Temple

The event takes place in the Temple of Jerusalem, in front of the gate of the altar. Immediately flanking the gates are, on the right, the aged Prophet Simeon holding the Christ Child in his covered arms; and, on the left, a small group including the Mother of God, Holy Joseph, and the Prophetess Anna. Encountering the Incarnate Word of God present in the Infant Jesus, the Old Testament people – personified by Simeon- reached their fulfillment.

The Icon shows the Infant Jesus seated in the arms of St. Simeon as if on a throne. Simeon’s hands are covered with his garment as a sign of reverence. Jesus is clothed in a short robe or tunic. The Mother of God is depicted with her left hand covered in a gesture of offering, having just given her Son to Simeon. Next to her is Joseph, carrying in the folds of his cloak the sacrifices of purification as prescribed for the poor in the Book of Leviticus: “two turtle doves or two young pigeons.” The last figure is the image of the Prophetess Anna, also introduced in the Gospel of St. Luke (2:36-38) announcing to all creation that the Child to Whom she is pointing, now presented in the Temple, is the Creator of Heaven and of Earth.