The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the temple was celebrated at the Latin Catholic Church of Iskenderun with a Eucharistic Celebration led by Rev. Dariusz Dogondke, the parish priest.
“And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord; and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2: 22-35)
In his preaching, Father Dogondke pointed out the importance of meeting with God and stated that the believers should always stay close to God and the Church. Father Dogondke later blessed the candles. The church community who attended the ritual also prayed by burning these blessed candles one by one. At the end of the ceremony, the Holy Communion was distributed to the congregation.
(SAT-7 TÜRK / İlyas Edip TERBİYELİ-İskenderun)
