At the beginning of the Public Service, the Veil of the Sanctuary, which had been drawn during the Preparatory Service while the lessons from the Old Testament were being read, is now drawn aside. This action signifies that the time of expectation has ended, and the promised Messiah has now appeared.
The service begins by recalling the memory of Mary, the Mother of the Messiah, and John the Baptist, who heralded His coming. Following this, an anthem in praise of the Incarnation is sung, while the priest and servers solemnly process around the altar, carrying lights, incense, and waving the fans.