Meetings are different. Some are fleeting, others are changing the fate of the world. This was the meeting of Elder Simeon with the baby, whose name is Jesus.
This meeting («Sretenye» in ancient Russian) put an end to one, Old Testament era and gave rise to another, New Testament. An era in which the prophecy of the Messiah was no longer expected, but fulfilled.
Simeon was a scribe, a man of learning, a man of righteousness and blessed by the Holy Spirit. This is mentioned in the Gospel that Luke wrote. He lived a long life, because the angel told him that he would live until he saw Christ. The elder spent all his time in the temple, translating ancient texts of the Old Testament into Greek. He was there when, on the 40th day after birth, the earthly parents brought Christ to the Temple.
Seeing the baby Jesus, Simeon immediately realized that he was the Messiah. He held him in his arms and with awe and reverence. The old man realized that his life had come to an end. But he was not upset, on the contrary, rejoiced. He knew that the Savior had come to earth. Darkness awaits him and light awaits him.
According to church tradition, Simeon was 360 years old when he met Jesus. He died the same day and for a long time, the place of his burial was unknown. Until the 13th century, the relics of the saint were in Constantinople, where they came in the 8th century. In the 11th century, the bishop of Novgorod the Great, Antony, came to the church at the copper gate to venerate the shrine. During the Crusades, some of the relics came to Europe. Officially known about 3 temples in which relics are stored. Two of them are located in Croatia, and one in Germany, in the city of Aachen (Heiligtumsfahrt Aachen). The right hand of Simeon is there. Once every 7 years it is exhibited for universal worship. The last time the event occurred was in 2021. This event attracts thousands of pilgrims.
Simeon was not the only one who met Christ that day. Anne approached the child with trembling righteousness. She was a widow who spent her days in fasting and prayer, praising the Lord. As a reward, she was given the opportunity to see the Savior with her own eyes.
The reaction of the two righteous was similar: their souls were filled with delight, love, hope and relief. The same feelings can be experienced by anyone. To do this, it is enough for him to meet Christ, recognize Him as the Savior and enjoy peace, peace and the expectation of sretenya already in heaven.
The meeting of the old and the new worlds is dedicated to the images: “The softening of evil hearts”, “The Message of the Lord” and the icon of Simeon the God-Receiver.
In Orthodox churches on Sretenye, a solemn Liturgy is served, often with a procession of the cross.
After this, the priest blesses the candles, the symbol of the light that Christ carries with him.
Sretenje is a joyful holiday. It is time to thank the Lord for the Savior, pray that the encounter with Jesus will bring hope, peace and light to life here on earth and there in heaven.
For the eyes have seen your salvation. Amen.
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