Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary — is a bright Christian holiday, which the Orthodox Church celebrates on April 7 (new style), and in Orthodoxy it is one of the twelfth holidays.
In ancient times, the Feast of the Annunciation was given different names: conception of Christ, Annunciation of Christ, Beginning of redemption, Annunciation of the Angel Mary. There is no information about where and how the Feast of the Annunciation first appeared. It is only known that in 560, Emperor Justinian indicated the date of celebration of the Annunciation — as March 25 (April 7, new style).
The name of the holiday — Annunciation — conveys the main meaning of the event associated with it: the announcement to the Virgin Mary of the good news of the conception and birth of the Infant Christ by Her. This holiday refers to the twelfth intransitive holidays and is celebrated every year on the same April day.
Archangel Gabriel brought the greatest «Good News» — The Son of God becomes the Son of Man on this day to the Virgin Mary. Isaiah's prophecy is fulfilled, the Mother of God agrees to the angel's message: «Let it be done to me according to your word». Without this voluntary consent, God could not become human. He could not incarnate, since God does not act by force, does not force us to do anything. Man is given complete freedom to respond to God with consent and love.
Church Tradition says that at the moment when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary, she was reading the book of the prophet Isaiah, exactly those words about the birth of the Messiah. «I am ready to become the last servant of the one who will be honored to give birth to the Messiah», — she thought.
Some ancient customs are associated with the Annunciation among the people. They say that on the Annunciation « the bird does not build a nest, the girl does not weave braids», that is, any work is considered a sin.
The celebration of the Annunciation is not postponed even on Easter day, if these holidays coincide, and if this celebration falls on the days of fasting, then fasting is weakened. According to the Church Charter, on this day the eating of fish and oil is blessed. Delight your loved ones with a simple, tasty and beautiful dish — baked fish with mashed vegetables.
Let us remind you that the Catholic Church celebrates the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary on March 25.
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