Hand painted Orthodox icon on wood, "The Nativity of Christ", model 2, miniature, 7x10cm

This hand-painted Orthodox miniature icon represents The Nativity of Christ - celebrated by the Orthodox Church on December 25.

Original artwork by Ana Drăgan (DAM), painted on wood, in egg tempera colours.

The Nativity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, also called Christmas, is one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church, celebrated on December 25. In the fullness of time, the Son of God was born of the Holy Virgin Mary, entering the world as true man and revealing Himself to humanity.

According to Holy Scripture and Tradition, Christ was born in Bethlehem, in humility, laid in a manger within a cave, attended by the Theotokos, Saint Joseph, and the shepherds. His birth took place during a journey undertaken because of a Roman census, and the simplicity of the setting bears witness to His voluntary humility.

Wise men from the East later came to worship Him, offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which the Church understands as signs of His kingship, divinity, and future suffering.

While the exact historical date of Christ’s birth is not known, the Church celebrates the Nativity on December 25 with theological purpose and spiritual meaning. Within Orthodox understanding, this date is connected to the naming of Christ on the eighth day, commemorated on January 1, and reflects a sacred order established by the Church for the proclamation of the mystery of salvation.

Thus, the Feast of the Nativity stands as a joyful and holy celebration of God’s loving descent into the world for the salvation of mankind.