February 27 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

In the liturgical calendar of the Eastern Orthodox Church, February 27 refers to the following commemorations:

• The afterfeast (leave-taking) of the Meeting of the Lord in the Temple. Since the Meeting of the Lord is one of the Great Feasts, it has an extended period of celebration. The afterfeast marks the end of this period. The hymns and themes of the Meeting of the Lord are sung for the last time on this day.

• The commemoration of specific saints, if any are appointed to be commemorated on this day. Since February 27 falls within the pre-Lenten season (the period before Great Lent), the liturgical color is generally brighter, and the services retain a more festive character than those during Great Lent itself. The services continue to use the hymns of the Triodion, the liturgical book specific to the pre-Lenten and Lenten periods.

• Depending on the year and local custom, the services may begin to anticipate themes of Great Lent, even while still celebrating the Meeting of the Lord. This transitional character is a hallmark of the pre-Lenten season.