November 21st, 2025.

Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

A reading from the first book of Maccabees.

Judas and his brother said,

Now that our enemies have been crushed,

let us go up to purify the sanctuary and rededicate it.

So the whole army assembled and went up to Mount Zion.

Early in the morning, on the 25th day of the ninth month, that is, the month of Kislev,

in the year 148, they arose and offered sacrifice according to the law on the new altar of burnt offerings

that they had made. On the anniversary of the day on which the Gentiles had defiled it, on

that very day, it was re-consecrated, with songs, harps, flutes, and symbols.

All the people prostrated themselves and adored and praised heaven who had given them success.

For eight days, they celebrated the dedication of the altar,

and joyfully offered burnt offerings and sacrifices of deliverance

and praise. They ornamented the facade of the temple with gold crowns and shields. They repaired the gates

and the priest's chambers and furnished them with doors.

There was great joy among the people,

now that the disgrace of the Gentiles was removed.

Then Judas and his brothers,

and the entire congregation of Israel,

decreed that the days of the dedication of the altar should be observed with joy and gladness on the anniversary

every year for eight days. From the 25th day of the month, Kislov. The Word of the Lord.

...