Presentation in the Temple

This late 16th century icon shows the Virgin Mary bringing her Divine Son into the Temple to dedicate Him to the Lord on the 40th day after His Birth as was written in the Law.  She gives Him into the arms of the Prophet Symeon the God-Receiver, who has come into the Temple by inspiration from the Holy Spirit.   On that day God will fulfill the promise made to St. Symeon that he will see the Lord of the Prophecy of the birth of Immanuel, God-with-us, and so let him depart in peace. 
 
The Prophetess Anna is also in the Temple by inspiration to see the Divine Child. 
St. Joseph, the Betrothed to the Virgin Mary, but not married to her as a witness that this Child is not his, is there, too, and holds two turtledoves as an offering to the priest as was written to fulfill the Law on a child’s dedication in the Temple.  This is the junction between the prophecies of the Old Testament and their fulfillment in the New, for Christ is that fulfillment.  
 
This icon was produced in a small monastery of the Eastern Orthodox Church in the beautiful southwest of Wisconsin USA. It is believe to be the largest selection of historical icons produced and distributed anywhere in the world. 
 
Size : 17 x 25 cm