CANDLEMAS (FEB. 2ND)
“The Presentation at the Temple” by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, AD 1342, Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence, Italy Edited by Bp. Joseph ( Ancient Church of the West ) The Feast of the Presentation, or “Candlemas” is one of the oldest feasts of the Christian Tradition, celebrated since the 4th century AD in Jerusalem. There are sermons on the feast by the bishops Methodius of Patara (d. 312), Cyril of Jerusalem (d. 360), Gregory the Theologian (d. 389), Amphilochius of Iconium (d. 394), Gregory of Nyssa (d. 400), and John Chrysostom (d. 407). It is also mentioned in the pilgrimage of Egeria (AD 381–384), where she confirmed that the celebrations took place in honor of the presentation of Jesus at the Temple. “But certainly the Feast of the Purification is celebrated here with the greatest honour. On this day there is a procession to the Anastasis; all go in procession, and all things are done in order with great joy, just as at Easter. All the priests preach, and also the bishop, always trea...
