Today marks the first day of the Dormition Fast and to keep our minds focused, I thought it would be interesting to list 15 tidbits of information about the life of the Theotokos. I will be posting one per day throughout the fast. If anyone knows of any stories or miracles they'd like posted please let me know.I think it would be appropriate to begin with her conception and entry into the temple. Joachim and Anna were righteous in the eyes of God. When their offering to the temple was not accepted because of their barrenness, Joachim fled to the wilderness to pray and Anna did likewise in the garden. Then the Archangel Gabriel appeared to them (Joachim first) and told them they would conceive a child and her name would be Mary. When the Virgin Mary reached the age of 3, Joachim and Anna fulfilled their promise to dedicate her to the Lord. So they dressed her in a garment befitting a queen and took her to the temple. When they set her down in front of the steps, she climbed all 15 steps without assistance, never looking back at her parents.Soon the entire house of Israel recognized her holiness and all loved and adored the child Mary. Righteous Joachim and Anna visited the Panagia daily for seven years until they reposed. The Virgin Mary remained in the Holy of Holies until she became of age. Up until this point no one except the high priest entered into that sacred place, and even he only entered once a year."Rejoice, Mary Theotokos, temple of holiness and temple that shall never be destroyed, as the prophet cried, 'Holy is Thy temple, wonderful in righteousness!'" (Psalm 64:5-6)