On April 7, the Orthodox world celebrates the Annunciation (full name – Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin). It is the third most important after Christmas and Easter.
Kiev. Ukraine. Ukraine Gate – April 07, 2021 – Ukraine society and culture
The Annunciation commemorates the event when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and prophesied through her the birth of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
The Annunciation belongs to the twelfth feasts – the 12 main feasts of the Church. Among the people, the Annunciation is the third meeting of spring (after the Meeting on February 14 and the Forty Martyrs of Sebastopol on March 22).
History of the Annunciation:
The Annunciation is mentioned in only one of the four Gospels, the Gospel of Luke. The Apostle Luke is generally considered to be the evangelist of the Mother of God because in his works the Mother of God is mentioned most often. This event was prophesied by the prophets of the Old Testament. Isaiah’s prophecy is most often recalled: “Then the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin conceived and bore a son, and gave him the name Emmanuel.”
The event took place six months after St. Anne conceived John the Baptist.
The Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary in the town of Nazareth as she drew water from a spring.
A quote from the Gospel of Luke:
On this day, the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she had given birth to Jesus Christ, the Son of God: ” Rejoice, gracious, the Lord is with you. the throne of David his father, and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom shall have no end. ” Maria said, “How will this happen when I don’t know my husband?” The Archangel replied: ” The Holy Spirit will find on you and the power of the Highest will cover you – so the Holy One who is born will be called – the Son of God. God has nothing impossible.” And Mary said, “I am a servant of the Lord; be it unto me according to your word.”
The main architectural monument of the Annunciation
The event of the Annunciation took place near a spring of water in the small town of Nazareth (Israel). Now on the site of the source is the Orthodox Church of the Archangel Gabriel in Nazareth and, which operates. This is the only Orthodox church in Nazareth. The source is still there, located inside the temple, and is called the Source of the Annunciation in Nazareth. It is believed that the water there has a healing and beneficial power.
The significance of the Feast of the Annunciation:
The proclamation stands for “good news.”
The Annunciation is considered one of the three most important events, such as Christmas and Easter. Because with the phrase: “Let it be to me according to your word” the Mother of God, on behalf of the people, agreed to God’s providence for the future salvation of mankind. Therefore, in the spiritual world, the Annunciation is a major event in the history of the Orthodox Church. Without the consent of the Mother of God, there would be no Christianity. From the moment of the Annunciation until today, the Deity and man are connected.
Traditions of celebrating the Annunciation
On this day there is a festive liturgy, which often ends with a procession and a beautiful tradition – to release white doves into the sky. The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit.
The main color of the service at the Annunciation is blue, it is also called the Mother of God.
At the Annunciation, you are allowed to eat fish and drink a little worship wine – Kagerou. It is desirable to confess and partake of communion, it is considered a blessing.
The next day, April 8, the Cathedral of the Archangel Gabriel is celebrated as the chief evangelist, the messenger from the Lord Himself.
Signs of the Annunciation
Most often on this day at the time of worship – good weather, mostly the sun shines.
According to folk signs: whatever the weather is like at the Annunciation, so will it be at Easter.
In ancient times it was believed that even birds do not build nests on this day, so people can not do it on this day. Indeed, according to the church canons, it is desirable to rest at the Annunciation, to remember the events of the Gospel, to thank God for His mercy.
Read also: Snow falls in Ukraine at the beginning of the holidays
Source: Ukrgate
