March 25: The Feast of the Annunciation
Gerald Largent
The Feast of the Annunciation, celebrated on March 25th, is one of the most joyful and significant feasts in the Orthodox Christian calendar. On this day, the Church commemorates the Archangel Gabriel's visit to the Virgin Mary, bringing her the glad tidings that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38).
This feast is a celebration of the mystery of the Incarnation—God taking on human flesh for the salvation of the world. The word "Annunciation" itself means "announcement," reflecting the angel's proclamation that changed the course of human history. The Church teaches that at the very moment of Mary's humble acceptance of God's will, the Word became flesh in her womb.
The icon of the Annunciation beautifully captures this moment. The Archangel Gabriel is depicted with one hand raised in blessing while the other gestures toward the Virgin Mary. Mary is shown either seated or standing, her posture reflecting both humility and wonder. In many icons, a ray of divine light descends from above, symbolizing the action of the Holy Spirit in the miraculous conception.
The hymnography of the feast emphasizes the joy and awe of this event. The troparion of the feast proclaims:
"Today is the beginning of our salvation, The revelation of the eternal mystery! The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin As Gabriel announces the coming of Grace. Together with him let us cry to the Birthgiver-of-God: 'Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you!'"
In Orthodox Christian life, the Annunciation calls the faithful to reflect on Mary's obedience and humility. Her response to the angel, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" (Luke 1:38), is a model of trust and surrender to God's will. This feast invites all believers to open their hearts to God's call and to rejoice in the gift of salvation.
As we celebrate the Annunciation, we are reminded that through the Birthgiver-of-God's "Yes," God entered the world to redeem and restore mankind. This feast is not only a historical remembrance but also a present reality that calls us to live with faith, humility, and joy in the presence of the Incarnate Christ.