Description

Feast Day/Commemorated: February 2

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, recounted in Luke 2:22-29, highlights Mary and Joseph's adherence to Jewish custom. Forty days after Jesus' birth, they brought their firstborn son to the Temple for dedication to God. As they were not wealthy, they offered two turtle doves, the sacrifice designated for poorer families. Upon their arrival, they were met by Simeon, a devout and scholarly old man who had been promised by God that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. Recognizing Jesus, Simeon took the infant in his arms and offered a profound prayer, acknowledging Jesus as the long-awaited salvation, a light for the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel.

Also present in the Temple was Anna the Prophetess, an eighty-four-year-old widow who dedicated her life to worship, fasting, and prayer within the Temple. Upon seeing the Christ Child, she too praised God and spoke of Him to all who anticipated the Messiah's arrival. After this significant event, the Holy Family returned to Nazareth in Galilee, where Jesus grew in strength and wisdom. The Orthodox Church commemorates this event by bringing both baby boys and girls to the church on their fortieth day, echoing the original Presentation.

The iconographic depiction of the Presentation showcases the meeting within the Temple before the altar. The Theotokos, on the left, extends her cloaked hands in an offering gesture, having just handed her Son to Simeon. Jesus is depicted as a child, clothed in a small dress, giving a blessing. Simeon holds Jesus with reverently covered hands, and though bareheaded, he is often understood by scholars to be a priest or Doctor of the Law. Joseph stands behind the Theotokos, carrying the two turtle doves for sacrifice, while Anna the Prophetess stands beside him, pointing to the Christ Child and speaking of Him to others. Simeon's words, known as "St. Simeon's Prayer," are sung daily in the Orthodox Church's evening Vespers services.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted reproductions, made with prayer and a desire for excellence. Choose from our standard mounted option on Museum Quality Paper or you may choose to upgrade to Museum Quality Matte Canvas. Both offer a rich print with saturated coloration and are finished with our high-grade UV protection sealant offering a subtle tactile texture that gives our icons a truly authentic feel & can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Additionally, each Maple-shelled panel is prepared with a painted chamfered front edge as well as a round-over on the back edge to give a shadow box effect when hung on the wall. Our Icons come standard with a sliding key-hole slot on the back which allows for balanced hanging. These beautiful American-made reproductions will be a beloved addition to any home or parish at the fraction of the cost of a hand painted icon.

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