On September 21, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God (or the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary), which is the first of twelve major church feasts the new ecclesiastical year begins with.

On this day the Blessed Virgin Mary, who the Lord called to become the Mother of the Savior, was born at the cusp of the Old and the New Covenant. Her birth is considered a miracle, as is the appearance of the son of God - Jesus Christ.

Beginning from the sixth century, the birth of the Virgin Mary was proclaimed as a great event. On this day, Orthodox Christians come to the churches in festive arrays where the solemn church services are held. In prayers, they appeal to the Mother of God, who became the unifying principle between God and the human race and ask for her protection and blessing.