Today, September 21, the Orthodox people in South Ossetia, as well as around the world, are celebrating the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.
In the Temple of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Tskhinval was held a public liturgy in honor of the holiday.
The Bishop of the Alan Diocese Ambrose Mefonsky appealed to the congregation with the sermon.
"We know not so many ancient traditions, - said the bishop. - We know that the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary were Joachim and Anna. They reached a great age without children. Once Joachim went to the mountain to pray alone, since he loved to pray in solitude, and he saw the angel who told him that his wife would give birth to a child, and that the child would not be like all the other people in this world, because the child would become the mother of God.
And so, they gave birth to the Virgin Mary when they were old and crossed the age when one could have children. Therefore, having a baby was a miracle for them. Virgin Mary was born naturally, but her birth was a miracle, given the age of her parents. She is the purest and blessed being that could ever appear in this world. "
The bishop has added that the Virgin Mary - the mother and patroness of all Christians, - especially protects Tskhinval.
"In particular, she is the patroness of Tskhinval- said the bishop. - During the war in 2008, many people saw her protecting the houses, covering the town.
Thus, we should feel not only love for the Virgin Mary, but also gratitude that with her help we have been enjoying this world. Therefore, we should never forget about her protection."
After the sermon the congregation was addressed by South Ossetian President Leonid Tibilov, who congratulated them on the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin.
"The people of South Ossetia suffered a lot for the last twenty years. And today we see that our society is in need of unity - the head of state. - And I think that our church will help us to unite our people that they will live in harmony. "
He has added that the issues facing the Republic must be addressed in an atmosphere of mutual consent.
"We need to be united, and this is the only way for our common success," - said the head of state.
Then the priests and parishioners took part in a cross procession around the temple.
