Ymni_isodion_ths_theotoku_me_thn_tessarakontame... -

In the Orthodox liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos (November 21st) serves as the "threshold" for the Christmas season. It is on this day that the Church begins singing the Katavasies of Christmas, "Christ is Born, Give ye Glory!" Guide to the Hymns & Traditions

: Starting on November 21, the choir or chanter transitions from the standard hymns to the beautiful Christmas melodies during the Orthros (Matins) service. ymni_isodion_ths_theotoku_me_thn_tessarakontame...

"Today is the prelude of the benevolence of God, and the herald of the salvation of mankind..." Liturgical Sequence : The beginning of the Nativity Fast. In the Orthodox liturgical calendar, the Feast of

: The Entrance of the Virgin Mary into the Temple. This is when the musical tone of the services shifts toward Christmas. : The Entrance of the Virgin Mary into the Temple

: Many parishes perform a Divine Liturgy every day for 40 days leading up to Christmas (Nov 15 – Dec 25). The hymns of the "Isodia" are prominent during the first week of this journey.

The phrase refers to the Hymns of the Entrance of the Theotokos (Isodia tes Theotokou) combined with the Tessarakontameron (the 40-day Christmas Lent period or "Sarantaleitourgo") in the Greek Orthodox tradition.

: The primary hymn for November 21st is: