Orthodox Christians across Bulgaria are marking one of the major feasts of the Church calendar on September 8, the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. The holiday honors the birth of the Holy Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, with festive Chrysostom Liturgies being celebrated in churches across the country.
According to Christian tradition, Mary was born in Nazareth to Joachim and Anna, a pious couple who had remained childless for many years. Despite their faith and charitable lives, their inability to have children was a source of deep sorrow. The couple prayed for a child and promised that, if their prayers were answered, they would dedicate the child to God's service.
Their prayers were eventually answered. An angel appeared to Anna and told her that she would give birth to a daughter whose coming would bring blessing to the entire world. Joachim received the same divine promise.
Nine months after conception, Mary was born on September 8. Her birth is celebrated by the Orthodox Church as an event filled with joy and hope, marking the beginning of the story that would lead to the birth of Christ.
When Mary reached the age of three, Joachim and Anna fulfilled their promise and brought her to the Temple in Jerusalem. Church tradition says that the young Mary climbed the temple steps by herself and was dedicated to God, beginning a life devoted to faith.
