Afterfeast of the Meeting of our Lord in the Temple

Commemorated on February 3.

On this first day of the Afterfeast of the Meeting of the Lord, the Church commemorates the righteous Simeon and Anna the prophetess. The following words are ascribed to Christ in Ode 9 of the Canon: “I am not held by the Elder; it is I Who hold him, for he asks Me for forgiveness.”

Troparion

Hail, Virgin Theotokos, full of grace;
for from you has shone forth the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God,
giving light to those in darkness.
Be glad, O righteous Elder;
for you received in your arms the Redeemer of our souls,
Who bestows upon us the resurrection.

Kontakion

By Your birth, You sanctified a virginal womb,
and fittingly You blessed Simeon’s hands, O Christ God;
even now You have saved us by anticipation.
Grant peace to Your faithful people whom You have loved, O only Lover of mankind.