The Feast of the Nativity of Theotokos in Jerusalem
Celebrated on Saturday the 8th/21st of September 2013, was the feast of the Nativity of Theotokos, fruit of the womb of the formerly barren St Anne, through her connection to St Joachim, and vessel for the incarnation by the Holy Spirit of God’s one and only Son and Logos, Our Lord Jesus Christ, for our salvation.
In commemoration of this feast, a nocturnal divine Liturgy was held at the All-Holy Sepulcher; a divine Liturgy at the Bier of the Mother of God, led by His Eminence Demetrios, Archbishop of Lydda, ministered by students at the Patriarchal School of Sion; as well as a divine Liturgy at the monastic church of Sts Constantine and Helena the Hagiotaphites, which was attended by His Beatitude Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem, together with Fathers of the Holy Sepulcher and pilgrims.
Subsequently, at the Epitropikon (room of the board), His Beatitude wished for the Fathers of the Holy Sepulcher the protection and mediation of the All-Holy Mother of God who was born of a barren womb, the ever virgin Mary.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
