The earliest reference to this festival is from the pilgrim Etheria, who attended it in Jerusalem in the late 4th century.
The earliest reference to this festival is from the pilgrim Etheria, who attended it in Jerusalem in the late 4th century. Called Hypapante in the Greek church, it was instituted in the Western chirch by Pope Sergius I, and commemorates the occasion when the Virgin Mary, in accordance with Jewish law, went to the Temple in Jerusalem to be purified 40 days after the birth of her son and to present Jesus to God as her firstborn. Celebrated on February 2, FTP, what is this festival whose current name derives from the custom of observing it with lighted candles?
The earliest reference to this festival is from the pilgrim Etheria, who attended it in Jerusalem in the late 4th century.
Candlemas (or Presentation of the Lord or Presentation of Christ in the Temple) (accept early Hypapante)