the Star

The Life of St. Mary

Friday & Saturday, November 20–21
Church of the Virgin Mary & St. Athanasius, Mississauga

Book tickets
Four painted scenes: the angel Gabriel greeting Mary; Simeon holding the infant Christ in the Temple; Mary riding a donkey toward Bethlehem; the Holy Family at the manger.

Book tickets

Each performance runs about 45 minutes for a small audience. Tickets are $10 for everyone 3 and older; little ones 2 and under come free.

1 Choose a showtime

Friday November 20

Saturday November 21

2 Who's coming
Ages 3 and up · $10 each
2 and under · free

Children under 12 need to come with an adult.

3 Your details
Choose a showtime $10

We hold your spots for 20 minutes while you pay with PayPal (a PayPal account isn't needed to pay by card). Your ticket arrives by email once payment goes through.

A play about the life of St. Mary

Follow the Star is a live play that tells the story of St. Mary, the Mother of God, from the angel's greeting in Nazareth to the manger in Bethlehem. It runs over two days, in short performances for a small audience, so the whole family can see the story up close.

The play comes just before the Holy Nativity Fast, the 43 days the Coptic Orthodox Church keeps in preparation for Christmas on January 7. In our tradition those weeks belong especially to St. Mary: the month of Kiahk is filled with praises sung in her honour. Follow the Star is a way into that season for the whole family.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

Matthew 2:10

The story on stage

The play follows the Gospel story in order. These are some of the moments you'll see.

  1. The angel Gabriel appears to Mary, who bows her head with her hand on her heart.

    The Annunciation

    In Nazareth, the angel Gabriel brings Mary the news that she will bear the Son of God, and she says yes.

    “Behold the handmaid of the Lord.” Luke 1:38

  2. Mary, wrapped in a blue mantle, rides a donkey along a stony road toward a hillside town.

    The road to Bethlehem

    A decree sends Joseph and Mary from Galilee to the city of David, a long road for a mother close to giving birth.

    “To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife.” Luke 2:5

  3. Mary and Joseph kneel over the Christ child lying in a manger of straw, a lamb and a donkey beside them under a starry sky.

    The Nativity

    With no room in the inn, the Lord is born in a manger. Shepherds come in the night, and a star leads the wise men from the East.

    “And laid him in a manger.” Luke 2:7

  4. The elderly Simeon holds the infant Christ in the Temple while Mary looks on.

    The Presentation in the Temple

    Forty days later, Mary and Joseph bring the child to Jerusalem, where the elder Simeon takes Him in his arms.

    “Mine eyes have seen thy salvation.” Luke 2:30

Plan your visit

When
Friday, November 20, 6:30 PM to 9:45 PM
Saturday, November 21, 12:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Where
Church of the Virgin Mary & St. Athanasius
1245 Eglinton Ave W, Mississauga, ON L5V 2M4
Get directions
How long
About 45 minutes
Tickets
$10 for ages 3 and up. Free for 2 and under.
What if we're late?

Each performance starts on time and seats are limited, so please arrive about 10 minutes early. Latecomers may not be admitted once the play has begun.

Can children come on their own?

Children under 12 need to come with an adult. Everyone 3 and older needs a ticket; children 2 and under are free. Add them under “Little ones” so we know to expect them.

Can we buy tickets at the door?

If a performance still has seats, we'll sell them at the door. Booking ahead is the only way to be sure of your showtime.

How do we get in?

Show the QR code from your confirmation email (on your phone or printed). We can also find you by name.

Our plans changed.

Use the links in your confirmation email to choose another showtime or cancel, so your seats go to another family. Can't find the email? Have your tickets sent again.

Other questions

Call us at 905.567.4032.