Festal Learning Basket: Meeting of the Lord (Candlemas)...

Commemorated February 2nd

Books
The Meeting of Our Lord
The Children's Bible Reader - Simeon and Anna (page 173 - 174)

Activities
Wear the color blue today
Listen to the Audio of Dr Chrissi Hart reading The Meeting of Our Lord
Use recipes for the feast of The Meeting of Our Lord from An Orthodox Kitchen
Add a vase of flowers to the icon corner and/or feast day table
Set out an icon of The Meeting of the Lord
Dip or roll beeswax candles
Gather a basket of candles to be blessed at Liturgy
Eat by candlelight
Remove any decorations left from the feast of the Nativitiy... today concludes Christmas!

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O Lord Jesus Christ, the True Light that enlighteneth every man that comes into the world: Do Thou pour out Thy blessing upon these candles, and sanctify them with the light of Thy grace. And be pleased, O Merciful One, that as these lights, kindled with visible fire, drive away the darkness of night, so may our hearts, kindled with invisible fire, and illumined with the brightness of the Holy Spirit, banish the blindness of every sin, that, by the cleansing of our spiritual eyes, we may be able to see that which is well-pleasing unto Thee and necessary for our salvation; and that having triumphed over the dark forces of this world, we may be counted worthy to attain to the everlasting Light. For Thou art our Savior, and unto Thee do we send up glory, together with Thy Father Who is without beginning, and Thy Most-holy, Good, and Lifegiving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

-The Great Book of Needs-

Taken from The Order for the Blessing of Candles on the Feast of the Meeting of the Lord

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The Prayer of Saint Simeon the God-Receiver

Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace,

according to Thy Word,

for my eyes have seen Thy salvation,

Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples-

a Light to enlighten the Gentiles,

and the Glory of Thy people Israel.

To learn more about this Great Feast, please visit here.