21 September the Church celebrates the Feast of the Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
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.
Blessed Virgin Mary with its purity and virtue surpassed not only all men, but also all Angels; she was a living church of God.
The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady marked the onset of the time, when great and comforting promises of God for the salvation of mankind from the bondage of the devil began to come true. This event brought on the earth blessed Kingdom of God, the kingdom of truth, piety, virtue and immortal life. Mother of the First-born of all creation is Mother and Advocate for all of us by the merciful grace, who we constantly have recourse with filial boldness.
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