The Virgin Mary, who is often referred to by her real name Mary (Aramaic, Hebrew: מרים, , Mariam מריאם) but also as the Virgin Mary or Theotokos, came from Nazareth in Galilee and according to the New Testament is the mother of Jesus Christ.
The Virgin holds a special place in Christian teaching and faith.
References to Mary in the New Testament begin with the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, that is, the appearance to Mary of the Archangel Gabriel and the conveyance of the joyful news that she is the chosen one to bear the Son of God, Jesus Christ, into the world.
The references continue throughout the description of Christ’s life, from his Birth to his Crucifixion.
According to Christian tradition, the Virgin Mary was born in Jerusalem. She was the daughter of Joachim and Anna, a shepherd and a breeder, who were descended from the royal house of David. Anna was barren, but her infertility was resolved and Mary was born.
The Orthodox Church celebrates this event of conception on December 9 of each year.
