The day of the Nativity of the Theotokos

The day of the Nativity of the Theotokos is the feast of joy for the whole world, because through the Theotokos the entire human race was renewed and the grief of the first mother Eve was changed into joy. For whereas the latter heard the divine statement, "In pain you shall bring forth children!" (Gen 3:16) the former heard, "Rejoice, favored one!" (Lk 1:28). The latter heard, "Your recourse shall be towards your husband!" And the former, "The Lord is with you!" - St. John of Damascus