Orthodox Christians today celebrate one of the great Twelve Great Feasts – the Annunciation to the Most Holy Theotokos.
Orthodox Christians today celebrate one of the great Twelve Great Feasts – the Annunciation to the Most Holy Theotokos.
The word "Annunciation" means "good, joyful news," news that the liberation of humankind from sin and death would come.
The feast is established in memory of the day when the Archangel Gabriel, sent by God, appeared to the Virgin Mary and announced that she would become the Mother of the Saviour, the Son of God. At the same time, the Holy Spirit descended upon Mary, and she conceived the God-Infant Jesus.
The Annunciation is celebrated annually on April 7 (new style), exactly nine months before the Nativity of Christ, which falls on January 7. Since ancient times, the feast has been one of the most important and revered in Orthodoxy. Ancient tradition states: without the Annunciation, there would be no other Christian feasts. In Rus', it was believed that on this day, even sinners are not tormented in hell. Performing any kind of work was strictly forbidden; it was said: "On the Annunciation, a bird does not build a nest, a maiden does not braid her hair."
If the Annunciation falls during Great Lent, the fast is relaxed, and if it falls on Easter, it is celebrated simultaneously with the Resurrection of Christ. On this day, the solemn Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is performed, preceded by an all-night vigil service. After the service, bread and salt are consecrated.
According to folk beliefs, the Annunciation signifies the arrival of spring, when the Lord Himself blesses the earth for sowing, fertility, that is, for human well-being.