Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary: The Beginning of Our Salvation

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is one of the greatest and most important feasts of the Orthodox Church. It is celebrated on the 8th of September and is of special significance for the believers, as it marks the realization of the economy of salvation, the beginning of God's plan for humanity.

The Story of The Conception and Birth of the Mother of God

The story of the Nativity of Mary begins with the petitions of Joachim and Anne. According to tradition, these two pious people lived in Jerusalem. Having reached old age, they still didn't have any children, which, according to the beliefs of the time, forced them to live as outcasts. Despite their pain and frustration, Joachim and Anna prayed unceasingly to God. Their prayers were answered; the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Anne to announce that she would have a daughter. Thus was born The Mother of God, whom they named Mary. When She was three years old, her parents took Her to the temple in Jerusalem to dedicate Her life to the Lord, as they had promised to Him. There She was received by the high priest Zechariah, who immediately recognized in Her the woman who was to become the Vessel of the Savior.

Our Lady and the Economy of Salvation

The Virgin Mary remained pure all throughout her life. The grace and blessing of Her personality came both from Her own will and faith, as well as from the divine providence and the piety of Her parents. Her holiness was evident from childhood. By entering the temple and dedicating Her life to the Lord, She fulfilled Her sanctified status. From the first moment, She was accepted as a person of great charisma. She was even allowed access to the Holy of Holies, a sacred and unhallowed part of the temple. The Virgin Mary, as a pure and blessed person, mortal and at the same time spiritually transcendent, lived in the temple as befitted Her who was the Queen of all.

The Nativity of the Virgin Mary is not only a historical event; it carries a timeless message of hope and faith. It is a reminder of the economy of salvation and of divine providence. God's decision to save humanity from corruption is realized through the Holy Virgin.

The Theotokos, who miraculously comes into the world, lives under the roof of the Lord's temple and ultimately contributes to His incarnation. The plan of salvation begins with humility and faith both on the part of the Virgin Mary Herself and on the part of Her holy parents. Mary's birth, through the Lord's miraculous intervention, illustrates the fact that God acts in unexpected and humble ways to lead man to salvation.

The birth of the Virgin Mary is an event of immense theological significance. On this day, we celebrate the birth of the Mother of the Savior of the world. Not only is the Nativity glorified, but also the divine plan that begins to unfold from that moment on.

The Virgin Mary is the new Eve. Only unlike the latter, who bears the burden of original sin, the former saves humanity by giving birth to the Savior who will eradicate it. She becomes the bridge between heaven and earth. Thus, the Nativity of Mary is considered to be the beginning of the salvation of mankind.

Celebration in Mount Athos

The Nativity of Mary is celebrated by the Athonite community on September 21, according to the old calendar. The feast is especially celebrated in the cell of the Nativity of Mary, which belongs to the Holy Monastery of Hilandar. A solemn Divine Liturgy is held, praising the name of the Most Holy Theotokos, who covers and protects the cell and the whole of Mount Athos.

Apolytikion

Your birth, oh Theotokos, brought joy to the whole world, for from you dawned the sun of righteousness, Christ our God. Freeing us from the curse, He gave us His blessings. Abolishing death, He granted us eternal life.