
The literal meaning of the "Annunciation" – is the good, happy, joyful news.
The holiday itself is entirely dedicated to the memory of the day when, as the Bible says, in from of Virgin Mary appeared the Archangel Gabriel and told about the coming birth of Jesus Christ - the Son of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
It is noteworthy that, knowing the will of God, the Virgin Mary showed great faith and humility, answering in such a way: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to your word"(Luke 1, 28-38). From the day of celebration of "Annunciation" and to the Christmas holiday are - exactly nine months.
According to the Church namely on this day Evangelic story begins: with the good news was the beginning of salvation of the human race.
According to the documents, the Church began to celebrate the "Annunciation" in the 4th century. Holiday is not just changed its name, but also at various times it was respected as a holiday of the "Conception of Christ", " Beginning of atonement ," "Annunciation of the Angel of Mary", and only in the 7th century it was given the name of the "Annunciation", which remains today.
On this day, according to tradition, the Church brings to Virgin “a gift" – they are birds. In the temples, after the Liturgy white pigeons are released into the sky. The pigeon is a symbol of grace of the Holy Spirit, and its snow-white wings - symbol of purity of the Virgin Mary.
Since ancient times, the "Annunciation" symbolises the beginning of spring and its celebration; it was believed that on this day the nature wakes up. People consecrated grain before sowing, placing the grain near the Annunciation icon.
Work on this holiday is strictly prohibited and is considered a great sin.
On "Annunciation Day" believers bake communion bread and carry them to the church for the consecration. Already of the Annunciation prosphora is put near the icons.
Rejoice laity
Comes the good news,
Patron and saviour
Believers have!
Archangel with a God sign
Mary sanctified,
And for a great feat
Her blessed.
We all in love and faith,
And joy in our hearts,
And the miracle continues and repeats,
By the grace of the creator!