Commemorating the feast day of the Virgin Mary’s birth

·


The Feast of the Nativity (Birth) of the Theotokos and Virgin Mary is celebrated on September 8 each year. The Feast commemorates the birth of the Mother of Jesus Christ.

Background

The birth and early life of the Virgin Mary is not recorded in the Gospels or other books of the New Testament, however this information can be found in a work dating from the second century known as the Book of James or Protevangelion.

According to the story found in this book, Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anna, were childless for many years. They remained faithful to God, but their prayers for a child were unanswered. One day, when Joachim came to the temple to make an offering, he was turned away by the High Priest who chastised him for his lack of children. To hide his shame, Joachim retreated to the hill country to live among the shepherds and their flocks.

As Joachim was praying, his wife Anna was praying at the same time at their house in Jerusalem. An angel appeared to both of them and announced that Anna would have a child whose name would be known throughout the world. Anna promised to offer her child as a gift to the Lord. Joachim returned home, and in due time Anna bore a daughter, Mary.

Icon of the Feast

full-icon-nativity-theotokos

The icon of the Nativity of the Theotokos presents to us the central figures of Saints Joachim and Anna, Mary’s parents, and the Mother of our Lord as an infant. Saint Anna is in the middle of the icon with her right hand extended toward her daughter. Likewise, Saint Joachim, Mary’s father, is gazing upon the young child with his right hand extended toward her. Anna is surrounded by attendants who have assisted with the birth.

The icon directs attention to Mary as the central figure in this feast. It also acknowledges the joy that was felt by Joachim and Anna as new parents with a child received through a promise from God. The liturgical texts of the feast acknowledge this joy and confirm the special role of Mary as the Mother of the Incarnate God, Jesus Christ. In this event, another step is made in sacred history in preparation for the entrance of Christ into the world.

The icon and the feast also acknowledge a transition from barrenness to life. This was but another foreshadowing of what would be offered through Christ, the transformation from death to eternal life.

Source: goarch.com

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek fire in ‘The Belly of the Beast’ at St Kilda

‘The Vineyard’ in St Kilda (also known as ‘The Belly of the Beast’) has a long and rich ethnic-Australian heritage.

Jenny Souris Foundation Gala raises $100,000 to help young cancer fighter Jack

The Jenny Souris Foundation’s fundraising gala raised funds for four-year-old Jack, who is courageously battling Stage IV Neuroblastoma.

Greek Australian George Moulos attempts record-breaking ‘March Across Greece’

Young Greek Australian entrepreneur George Moulos will embark on a transformative 1,200 km journey across Greece on foot.

proika exhibition explores cultural bonds that unite the Greek Australian community

On November 20, the proika project invites you to the launch their multimedia exhibition, melding fashion, photography and conversations.

Heliades Greek Women’s Network celebrate Melbourne Cup in style

The Greek Women's Network (Heliades) hosted a vibrant celebration of the Melbourne Cup on Sunday, November 3.

You May Also Like

Greek football legend George Karagounis honoured at charity gala dinner in Sydney

Euro 2004 legend, George Karagounis, was honoured on Friday, October 14 with a charity gala dinner at The Grand Roxy in Sydney.

21 Women for 2021: The Greek Herald launches interview series to celebrate Greek Australian women

Just one day to celebrate women is not enough. Let’s at least give them twenty-one.

Greek Australian Michael ‘Triki’ Trikilis on discovering his passion for breakdancing in Greece

Michael Trikilis spoke about spending his childhood in Kalymnos and discovering his passion for breakdancing on a school trip in Athens.