The Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos celebrates the birth of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is observed on September 8th in the Eastern Orthodox Church and most Catholic traditions, falling among the first major feasts of the liturgical year, and is marked by special liturgies and hymns celebrating Mary's role in the story of salvation. For the faithful, it expresses joy at the birth of the one who would become the mother of Christ, and is held in particular reverence within Orthodox, Catholic, and some other Christian communities.