This is the day of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple.Fulfilling their vow to God, Sts. Joachim and Anna, her holy parents, presented Mary at three years old at the temple, where she would live as virgin for nine years, until her Betrothal to St. Joseph. The High Priest Zacharias blessed her with these words: “The Lord has glorified thy name in every generation; it is in thee that He will reveal the Redemption that he has prepared for his people in the last days.” He then led her into the Holy of Holies, where the High Priest alone may enter, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement.
Just as this event is an anticipation of Mary becoming the Theotokos and God-bearer, so we keep it in anticipation of the Incarnation, of the the Holy Nativity. The Theotokos is now our Temple and Holy of Holies, the fulfillment of the Tabernacle and the new dwelling place of God, the abode of Heaven. This is as it was foretold:
Hear, O daughter, and see; turn your ear, forget your people and your father’s house. So shall the king desire your beauty; for he is your lord, and you must worship him….
All glorious is the king’s daughter as she enters; her raiment is threaded with spun gold. In embroidered apparel she is borne in to the king; behind her the virgins of her train are brought to you. They are borne in with gladness and joy; they enter the palace of the king.
The place of your fathers your sons shall have; you shall make them princes through all the land. I will make your name memorable through all generations; therefore shall nations praise you forever and ever.
Psalm 45:11-18
The Theotokos is Ark of Our Salvation, Ark of the New Covenant, the New Eve, Rose of Sharon, New Paradise, Ladder of Divine Ascent, Panagia (All Holy), and Portal once opened forever shut.