Candlemas in the Eastern Orthodox Church

Candlemas, commonly known as the Meeting of the Lord, is observed annually on February 2. For churches following the Julian calendar, the feast occurs thirteen days later, Candlemas in the Eastern Orthodox Church falling on February 15 in 2026. This major feast day commemorates the presentation of Jesus Christ at the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after his birth, marking the encounter between the Savior and the righteous elder Simeon.

History of Candlemas in the Eastern Orthodox Church

The origins of this feast date back to the 4th century in Jerusalem, where it was initially celebrated as the “Feast of the Meeting” or Hypapante. Early accounts from the Western pilgrim Egeria describe a solemn procession and festive liturgy held forty days after the Epiphany. By the 6th century, the Emperor Justinian I established the feast across the Byzantine Empire as a day of thanksgiving following a devastating plague in Constantinople. The date was eventually fixed to forty days after Christmas to align with the Mosaic Law regarding the purification of mothers and the dedication of firstborn sons.

In the Eastern tradition, the event is centered on the theology of the Incarnation. It portrays the Creator of the Law submitting to the Law as a human infant. The narrative follows the Gospel of Luke, where the Virgin Mary and Joseph brought the child to the Temple. There, they were met by Simeon, who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before witnessing the Messiah. Simeon took the child in his arms and uttered the “Nunc Dimittis,” a prayer that remains a cornerstone of Orthodox evening services to this day.

Why is Candlemas in the Eastern Orthodox Church important?

The feast marks the meeting of the Old and New Testaments. Simeon represents the ancient expectations of Israel, while the infant Christ represents the fulfillment of those promises and the beginning of a new covenant for all humanity. This transition is viewed as the “Meeting” of God and man, where the Creator enters into the physical space of his creation to redeem it. The theological significance emphasizes that Christ is the “Light to enlighten the Gentiles” and the glory of his people.

This day also serves as a bridge between the seasons of the Nativity and the upcoming journey toward Pascha. It is one of the twelve Great Feasts, highlighting the role of the Virgin Mary as the Theotokos who offers her son for the salvation of the world. For the faithful, the holiday is a reminder that every Christian is called to have a personal “meeting” with Christ through the sacraments. It reinforces the idea that the light of Christ dispels the darkness of sin and death, providing hope for eternal life.

• It celebrates the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah.
• The feast honors the righteous Simeon and the prophetess Anna for their faith.
• It emphasizes Christ’s obedience to the religious laws of his time.
• The day serves as a major liturgical milestone forty days after Christmas.
• It highlights the role of the Temple as a place where God meets his people.

How to Celebrate Candlemas in the Eastern Orthodox Church

The primary way to observe the feast is by attending the Divine Liturgy and the All-Night Vigil on the eve of the holiday. During these services, special hymns are sung that narrate the encounter between Simeon and the Christ child. A distinct tradition in many Orthodox parishes is the blessing of candles. These candles are brought by the faithful to be sanctified with holy water and are then taken home to be used during times of prayer, illness, or family distress throughout the year.

At home, families often set out an icon of the Meeting of the Lord in a prominent place, such as the icon corner. It is a common practice to eat a festive meal after the morning service to break any fast associated with the previous days. Since the day is associated with the theme of light, many families keep a lampada or candle lit throughout the day. Reading the Gospel of Luke, specifically the second chapter, helps participants reflect on the prophetic words spoken by Simeon and Anna regarding the child’s future.

• Attend the Divine Liturgy to participate in the communal celebration of the feast.
• Bring candles to the church to have them blessed by the priest during the service.
• Chant or read the Prayer of St. Simeon during your evening family prayers.
• Set a festive table with a special meal to honor the Great Feast.
• Read the biblical account of the Presentation in the Temple from the Gospel of Luke.

Candlemas in the Eastern Orthodox Church Dates Table