: The primary hymn for November 21st is:
The "put together guide" for this specific combination of the feast and the 40-day period typically involves:
: Incorporating the daily commemoration of saints alongside the pre-feast hymns of the Nativity. 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.
: 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 primary hymn for November 21st is:
: Starting on November 21, the choir or chanter transitions from the standard hymns to the beautiful Christmas melodies during the Orthros (Matins) service.
: The Entrance of the Virgin Mary into the Temple. This is when the musical tone of the services shifts toward Christmas. The hymns of the "Isodia" are prominent during
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