Georgia marks Nativity of the Virgin Mary as Patriarch Shio III leads service in Batumi

Georgia's Orthodox Church is marking the Nativity of the Virgin Mary on Monday, with Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III due to lead a festive service at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Batumi, in western Georgia.

The service began at 10:00 local time, according to information released by the Georgian Patriarchate's public relations office.

Services marking the feast are also being held at Orthodox churches and monasteries across Georgia.

The Nativity of the Virgin Mary, known in Georgia as Gvtismshobloba, is one of the 12 major feasts of the Orthodox Church and is celebrated on 21 September. The date falls on 8 September according to the Julian calendar used for the liturgical calendar.

According to Orthodox tradition, the Virgin Mary was born in Nazareth to Joachim and Anna. Church tradition holds that Joachim was descended from King David, while Anna was a descendant of Aaron. The couple, who were childless into old age, vowed to dedicate their child to God.

The feast has particular significance in Georgia, where Orthodox tradition holds that the country is under the special protection of the Virgin Mary and is considered her allotted land.