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...
: The Entrance of the Virgin Mary into the Temple. This is when the musical tone of the services shifts toward Christmas. In the Orthodox liturgical calendar, the Feast of
"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. This is when the musical tone of the
: Incorporating the daily commemoration of saints alongside the pre-feast hymns of the Nativity.