The Feast of the Encounter (Presentation) of Our Lord — February 2, 2026

Every year on February 2, the Church celebrates one of the most ancient and profoundly symbolic feasts in the Christian liturgical calendar: the Feast of the Encounter of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple. In the West, this feast is known as the Presentation of the Lord, the Purification of the Virgin, or Candlemas, while in the Byzantine tradition it is celebrated as the Hypapante — the “Meeting” of the Lord with Simeon and Anna.

This feast occurs forty days after the Nativity, in accordance with the Mosaic Law, which prescribed both the purification of the mother after childbirth and the presentation of the firstborn son to God in the Temple (Leviticus 12:2–8; Exodus 13:2,12).

Biblical and Liturgical Roots

The biblical account of this event is found in Luke 2:22–40. Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem in obedience to the Law of Moses. There, they encountered Simeon, a righteous and devout man inspired by the Holy Spirit, who took the Child in his arms and proclaimed:

“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29–32)

The prophetess Anna also appeared, giving thanks to God and speaking of the Child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:38). This sacred encounter reveals Christ as the bridge between the Old and New Covenants, with the Temple as the site of divine meeting.

Liturgical texts of the day, such as the Troparion and Kontakion in the Byzantine tradition, reflect this joy, proclaiming Christ as the dawning Light of the world.

Historical Development

The celebration of this feast traces back to the early centuries of Christianity. In Jerusalem, by the late 4th century, Christians observed the Presentation of Christ with solemn processions and liturgical gatherings, particularly at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

By the 6th century, the feast was firmly established in Constantinople, emphasizing the “meeting” (Hypapante) between the infant Christ and Simeon, as promised by the Holy Spirit.

In the Western Church, the feast spread gradually by the 7th century. Pope Sergius I (687–701) introduced a procession, which evolved into the Candlemas rite with the blessing of candles, becoming widespread by the 11th century. This tradition symbolizes Christ as the Light of the world.

Theological Significance

Christ as Light of the Nations
Simeon’s words affirm Jesus’ universal mission: “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32). The blessing of candles during the feast represents Christ’s light penetrating the darkness of the world and our own lives.

Fulfillment of the Law
Though sinless, Mary and Joseph submitted to the rites of purification and presentation, demonstrating humble obedience and prefiguring the fulfillment of the Law in Christ.

Meeting of Covenants
The encounter in the Temple symbolizes the meeting of the Old and New Covenants. Simeon and Anna represent the faithful of the Old Covenant, recognizing in Jesus the Messiah who ushers in the salvation of all humanity.

Liturgical Customs and Spiritual Practice

  • Eastern Christian Practice: Faithful bring beeswax or other candles to be blessed during the Divine Liturgy, signifying Christ’s light within and among us.

  • Western Tradition: The blessing of candles and candlelit processions reflect Christ as the Light of the World. This custom developed from the 5th century and became widespread in the 11th century.

The feast also traditionally marks the conclusion of the Christmas–Epiphany season, bringing the celebration of Christ’s birth to a luminous climax.

Conclusion — Encountering the Savior

The Feast of the Encounter calls every believer to reflect on this central mystery: Christ has come into the world, and He is the Light revealing God to all peoples. Like Simeon and Anna, we are invited to welcome Him with open hearts, carry His light into the world, and bear witness to the joy, peace, and salvation He brings.