9 September 2023
In her manner she showed that she was not so much presented into the
Temple, but that she herself entered into the service of God of her own accord,
as if she had wings, striving towards this sacred and divine love. She
considered it desirable and fitting that she should enter into the Temple and
dwell in the Holy of Holies. Therefore, the High Priest, seeing that this
child, more than anyone else, had divine grace within her, wished to set her
within the Holy of Holies. He convinced everyone present to welcome this, since
God had advanced it and approved it. Through His angel, God assisted the Virgin
and sent her mystical food, with which she was strengthened in nature, while in
body she was brought to maturity and was made purer and more exalted than the angels,
having the Heavenly spirits as servants. She was led into the Holy of Holies
not just once, but was accepted by God to dwell there with Him during her
youth, so that through her, the Heavenly Abodes might be opened and given for
an eternal habitation to those who believe in her miraculous birthgiving.
St. Gregory Palamas
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