the Blessed Virgin Mary" may be observed as a Lesser Festival on 8 December without the religious designation as "sinless", "most pure" or "immaculate". The situation in other constituent churches of the Anglican Communion is similar, i.e., as a lesser commemoration. Oriental Orthodoxy The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Nehasie 7 (August 13). The 96th chapter of the Kebra Nagast states: "He cleansed Eve's body and sanctified it and made for it a dwelling in her for Adam's salvation. Mary was born without blemish, for He made Her pure, without pollution". Eastern Orthodoxy The Eastern Orthodox Churches does not accept the Roman Catholic dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Accordingly, they celebrate 9 December called the “Feast of the Conception by Saint Anne of the Most Holy Theotokos”. While the Orthodox believe that the Virgin Mary was, from her conception, filled with every grace of the Holy Spirit, in view of her calling as the Mother of God, they do not teach that she was conceived without original sin as their understanding and terminology of the doctrine of original sin differs from the Roman Catholic articulation. The Orthodox do, however, affirm that Mary is "all-holy" and never committed a personal sin during her lifetime. The Orthodox feast is not a perfect nine months before the feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos (8 September) as it is in the West, but a day later. This feast is not ranked among the Great Feasts of the church year, but is a lesser-ranking feast (Polyeleos). Designation as public holiday The solemnity is a registered public holiday in the following sovereign countries and territories: Andorra Argentina Austria Chile Colombia — its peoples cook many food and delicacies honoring this day. Equatorial Guinea Guam (USA) Italy — it is a national holiday while since 1953, the Pope in his capacity as Bishop of Rome visits the Column of the Immaculate Conception in Piazza di Spagna to offer expiatory prayers commemorating the solemn event. The day marks the start of the Christmas season in the country. Liechtenstein Macau, China — by Government Executive Order No. 60/2000, published on 29 September 2000 and enforced into legal effect since 1 January 2001. Malta Monaco — it is celebrated with food festivities, particularly honoring mothers and grandmothers. Nicaragua – the solemnity is celebrated with local parades and religious processions. Panama – it