Nativity of the Theotokos

On September 8th, Orthodox Christians celebrate the first major feast on the liturgical calendar, the Nativity of the Theotokos.  As you may remember, the last major feast on the calendar is the Dormition of the Theotokos.  The two feasts act as bookends on the liturgical year and highlight the central role the Mother of God plays in our salvation.  Learn more about the history and meaning of this feast in the following video from the Archdiocese.

Icon of the Nativity of the Theotokos

Early iconographers were inspired by oral tradition as well as the account in the Protoevangelium of James when deciding on how to depict the Nativity of the Theotokos.  Learn more about this festal icon in the following video from Trisagion Films.

For Further Study

The Gate Facing East:  Podcast by Fr. Thomas Hopko from Ancient Faith Radio.

The Nativity of the Theotokos:  Podcast by Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick from Ancient Faith Radio.