Nativity of the Mother of God among Western Christians (08/09)

The Feast of the Nativity (Birth) of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated annually by the Catholic Church on September 8, is dedicated to the remembrance of the birth of the Mother of Jesus Christ — of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The New Testament contains very little information about the life of the Mother of God and the event celebrated on this day is recorded only in church tradition.

The legend reports that the parents of the Virgin Mary were the pious Joachim, who came from the family of King David, and Anna — from the family of the high priests. The Virgin Mary was born according to the special promise of God given to Joachim and Anna when they were already old. The name of the Mother of God was indicated by an angel who announced to her parents about her very birth.

While celebrating the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, Christians emphasize how important a role the Virgin Mary has in carrying out the divine plan for the salvation of humanity.

The first mention of the celebration of the Nativity of the Virgin dates back to the second half of the 5th century. Around this time, the holiday was included in the church calendar. The Nativity of the Virgin Mary is one of the great holidays.

The Orthodox Church celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Ever-Virgin Mary on September 21.

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