Currently, the celebration of this event also takes place on the eighth day after the Feast of the Nativity of Christ — that is, January 14, new style. The circumcision of the Lord is considered a great holiday of the Orthodox Church.
Circumcision for the ancient Jews determined belonging to God's chosen people. The uncircumcised was not dedicated to the One God, the Creator and Creator of all, was considered a non-believer, unworthy to sacrifice to God, unworthy to turn to Him. Old Testament circumcision was the prototype of Christian baptism.
The Blessed Virgin Mary and Her betrothed Joseph, the imaginary father of Jesus, naturally brought the baby to the temple for circumcision and there, together with the naming of the name — Jesus (Savior) —, performed this ritual.
It is especially important for Orthodox Christians to remember on this holiday that both the Blessed Virgin Mary and Joseph were true Jews who revered the Torah. Because the Torah instructs the Jews to perform circumcision as a sign of themselves as God's chosen people. Orthodox Christians piously recognize this right of God's chosenness for the Jews, so they reverently celebrate this Christian holiday of the Circumcision of the Lord. The first apostles and Christians, who came from the Jews, were also circumcised.
The Feast of Circumcision for Christians is also important because, contrary to many heretical judgments that distort the earthly appearance of Jesus Christ, it confirms that the Infant Jesus was male and the rituals intended for the Jews were also performed on Him.