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
: The primary hymn for November 21st is:
: 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. 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.
: Incorporating the daily commemoration of saints alongside the pre-feast hymns of the Nativity. In the Orthodox liturgical calendar, the Feast of
The "put together guide" for this specific combination of the feast and the 40-day period typically involves:
: 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
The phrase refers to the Hymns of the Entrance of the Theotokos (Isodia tes Theotokou) combined with the Tessarakontameron (the 40-day Christmas Lent period or "Sarantaleitourgo") in the Greek Orthodox tradition.