February 1 and 2: The Feast of the Presentation (Candlemas)

Candlemas is always February 2, which is the 40th day after Christmas. Since February 2 falls on a Monday in 2015, this year we also celebrate Candlemas on Sunday, February 1.

Candlemas commemorates “the Presentation,” when Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple to “present him 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.” (Luke 2)

We mark this day as a major feast because of what happened next:

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.

This passage not only gives us further insight into the revelation that this Jesus is the promised Christ, but it also gives our tradition a great gift: Simeon’s Song, also known as the Nunc dimittis (Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace…), which the choir sings after the reading of the second lesson at every Choral Evensong at Saint Thomas.

As stated above, in 2015, in addition to celebrating Candlemas on Monday, February 2, we also celebrate on Sunday, February 1 so that the maximum number of people can participate and so that we can hear music associated with the feast day. To that end, we invite everyone to join us for any of the following services:

Sunday, February 1, 2015

8am: Said Eucharist

  • Sermon by Fr Daniels.

9am: Sung Eucharist at the High Altar

  • Music sung by the Junior Choristers.
  • Sermon by Fr Turner.

11am: Solemn Eucharist

  • Music sung by the Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys
  • Includes the lighting of candles held by members of the congregation.
  • Sermon by Fr Turner.

4pm: Candlemas Procession

  • A service of readings appropriate for the feast day interwoven with anthems sung by the Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys, and hymns sung by the congregation and choir.
  • The service includes the lighting of candles held by the members of the congregation.
  • Sermon by Fr Daniels.

Monday, February 2, 2015
The services listed below are said services held in the Chantry Chapel, which is to the left side of the church after you enter through the Fifth Avenue doors.

  • 8am: Morning Prayer and Holy Eucharist (Rite I)
  • 12:10pm: Holy Eucharist (Rite II)
  • 5:30pm: Evening Prayer and Holy Eucharist (Rite I)

All are invited to any and all of the services listed above, and throughout the year.