Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

Saturday 6th December 2025AD at 7pm

The Good Shepherd Chapel - Abbotsford, Victoria

The chapel was adorned in gentle shades of blue, the colour of the Holy Theotokos, as the congregation gathered to honour her feast. Metropolitan Raffaele played quietly at the organ while Father Mark and Father Matthew greeted the faithful, and the atmosphere settled into a peaceful stillness before the liturgy began. While we waited, the Metropolitan offered a soft Alleluia, filling the chapel with a prayerful calm.

The service opened with the Entrance Hymn, O Come, Emmanuel, sung by Metropolitan Raffaele at the organ as Father Mark, Father Matthew, and the altar servers processed into the sanctuary. We joined together in the Common Prayer, followed by the Kyrie, calling upon God’s mercy with solemn devotion.

Father Mark then read the Epistle, urging us to avoid the pathways of depravity and instead to stand in God’s light, shining with His grace.

The Gospel of St Luke, proclaimed by Father Matthew, told of the woman healed by Christ on the Sabbath—reminding us that the Lord’s compassion is not bound by law: for if animals can be fed on the Sabbath, how much more should a child of God be restored?

Father Mark’s homily spoke of the feast as a prefiguration of Mary’s role in salvation history. Her entrance into the Temple as a child foreshadows the purity and readiness with which she later said yes to God—a yes that made possible the coming of Christ.

He reflected on how Mary and Joseph were treated with suspicion, even ridicule, because of her pregnancy. Yet she remained steadfast, trusting in God’s plan. Her intercession, he said, is powerful—not because she replaces Christ, but because Christ Himself entrusted her to us when he said “Behold, your mother.”

Father Mark’s went on to tell us about medieval Europe, when noblemen would strive to have their children work for the kings and queens. This gave the children (and as a result, the noblemen) access to the royal ear - insurance that their interested would be heard. Just as nobles wanted their children close, giving them access to the royal ear, so too does Mary have a special closeness to her Son. The saints testify to her intercession through countless healings and miracles. Father Mark recounted a story of a church where Mary had appeared upon the roof, astonishing even the local Muslim community—incense wafted, doves appeared, and among the people gathered below, healing of ailments for Christians, Muslims, and Jews alike.

He reminded us of Egypt under the rule of Nasa - that the country was headed towards a religious civil war. And how there were accounts of Mary, on the roof, kneeling and pointing to the Cross, the source of salvation. The Cross, he said, is both tomb and womb—entry into death, but also into new life.

Father Mark spoke of the Holy Mysteries of the Church, the seven great sacraments that nourish us along our journey. He encouraged us to pray to the saints, to turn to them as companions and helpers. One saint he mentioned was known for levitating in prayer, shining with divine light—the grace of God resting upon a soul wholly dedicated to Him.

The liturgy moved forward as Father Matthew chanted and Metropolitan Raffaele led the Kyrie from the organ once more. The Offertory Hymn accompanied the gifts as they were brought to the altar, and the congregation exchanged the sign of peace, a moment of gentle unity.

Father Mark reminded us that all grace flows from the Cross, and he invoked God’s blessing upon the people before blessing the gifts. The Sanctus followed, leading into the prayer of transformation. The Metropolitan, with characteristic flourish, played a lively organ variation of “Christ Has Died, Christ Is Risen, Christ Will Come Again”. The Amen resounded through the chapel with dramatic joy.

We then turned our hearts to the Theotokos, praying the Hail Mary and singing her hymn, Holy Mother. The Our Father was prayed together, and the Agnus Dei was sung as the Lamb was placed into the chalice. The clergy received communion, followed by the people.

After communion, Father Mark encouraged us to bring to God both our gratitude and our struggles. He reminded us of the importance of thanksgiving, of praying for peace in the world, and of recognising that every person is loved by God. Our calling, he said, is to reflect that love—through simple acts of kindness, a smile offered to the lonely, a helping hand extended without hesitation. For ours is a religion of love, and through us the world should know that God is good.

From the organ, the Metropolitan led the Thanksgiving Hymn, Most Highly Favoured Lady. Father Mark prayed the final prayer, and the faithful came forward to venerate the relic before gathering for refreshments.

The evening concluded as Metropolitan Raffaele returned once more to the organ, offering a spirited and joyful reprise of O Come, Emmanuel—a musical reminder of the Advent hope that is soon approaching.

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