Nativity of the Theotokos in Eastern Christianity Date in the current year: September 21, 2024

The feast celebrates the birth of Mary, who was born to elderly Joachim and Anna. According to Orthodox Church, they didn't have children for a long time. Joachim went to desert to pray, leaving his wife Anna at home on her own. An angel came to them to herald that the God had heard their prayers and they would have a child.

Orthodox Christianity doesn't accept the doctrine of the immaculate conception of Mary and doesn't share understanding of the transmission of original sin. It's believed, that Mary was kept free from actual sin by God's grace.

Nativity of the Theotokos, as well as other Marian feast days, was established during the times of the Byzantine Empire at the end of the 6th or at the beginning of the 7th century. There were early prayers to be read on this day.

Present-day celebration of Nativity of Theotokos begins with a mass, special prayers are read. Easter Christians always finish harvesting until this day to praise the harvest and family well-being.