Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Nativity of Mary is one of the greatest feasts of the Orthodox Church and the first feast of the Church’s New Year - September 1. On this day we celebrate the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the family of Anne and Joachim.
On this day people knead ritual bread (Virgin Mary Bread) which is given to family members for health and well-being. One piece is given to the domestic animals for fertility and another one is kept for the house – to protect the home and the family from malevolent deeds.