Orthodox Church сelebrates the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos

“The Annunciation” by Andrei Rublev. Photo: kibart

On April 7 (March 25 according to the Julian calendar), the Orthodox Church celebrates the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos – one of the twelve Great Feasts of the liturgical year. This day commemorates the moment when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and announced the good news of the forthcoming birth of the Savior of the world.

According to the Gospel of Luke, the Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to the city of Nazareth to the Virgin Mary with the words: “Rejoice, O Full of Grace! The Lord is with You; blessed are You among women.” Mary was troubled by this greeting.

The Archangel continued: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for You have found favor with God. And behold, You will conceive in Your womb and bear a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His Kingdom there will be no end.”

Mary asked the angel: “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” To this, the Archangel Gabriel replied: “The Holy Spirit will come upon You, and the power of the Most High will overshadow You; therefore, the Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.” As confirmation of his words, the angel told Mary that her relative Elizabeth – who was thought to be barren – had also conceived a son, despite being in old age.

Then Mary humbly replied: “Behold the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be to Me according to your word.” After these words, the Archangel Gabriel departed from her.

Although the feast falls during the period of Great Lent, certain fasting restrictions are eased on this day – notably, fish is permitted at the festive meal.

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