The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated Christian churches most denominations: Orthodox, Catholics and many Protestant churches.
1:809 1:821History and meaning of the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
1:951The Annunciation means proclaiming to people the news that the Savior is coming, the prediction is beginning to come true, he is already close. By church calendar. The Annunciation began to be celebrated, according to the decision of the church, from the 4th century AD. e. This day always falls 9 months before Christmas. .
1:1478 1:1490The Prophet Isaiah, who lived 700 years before the birth of Christ, argued that the Messiah is God in human form; he will be born of an immaculate Virgin, will perform miracles and suffer, will die for human sins and will be resurrected. Most believers believed that he would come in order to drive foreigners out of their land, conquer the whole world and forever remain the king of the earth. However, that's not how things happened. He came unnoticed and only his mother and father knew him.
1:2279 1:11Until the age of sixteen, Maria, expectant mother Christ, lived at the temple and she was very God-fearing. Then, as an adult, she had to either return to her parents or get married. Mary announced her oath to God - to remain a Virgin forever.
1:478 1:490Then She was betrothed to a distant relative, the 80-year-old elderly carpenter Joseph, famous for his piety, so that he would take care of Her.
1:756 1:768Four months after the engagement, an angel appeared to the Virgin Mary, sent by the Lord, who brought her good (i.e., joyful) news: for her righteousness she was chosen to become the Mother of God, having immaculately conceived from the Holy Spirit. The angel also informed the girl that the born Son should be named Jesus.
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Having learned that Mary was carrying a fetus under her breast, Joseph wanted to secretly let her go. But the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said: “Joseph, do not be afraid to accept Mary your wife; for that which is born in her is of the Holy Spirit. He will save people from their sins." And Joseph did as the Angel told him - he accepted his wife. They had a son and named him Jesus . Everything was as predicted.
2:697 2:709For each Christian, this day is the beginning of the liberation of humanity from the power of sin and the inevitable death associated with it. This is one of the most important (twelfth) holidays in Orthodoxy, standing on a par with Easter, Christmas and Transfiguration.
2:1191 2:1203The Church considers the event that occurred on the day of the Annunciation to be the first act of the atoning sacrifice subsequently made by Jesus.
2:1446 2:1458Just as sin entered the world through Eve, so it was defeated by the meekness of the Virgin Mary, who answered the angel: “Let it be done to me according to Your word,” submitting to God’s will.
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When is the Annunciation celebrated?
The Annunciation is a Christian holiday that does not depend on lunar calendar. It is celebrated annually on April 7 (March 25, old style) , i.e. exactly 9 months before the Nativity of Christ, which is celebrated on January 7 (December 25).
3:1022The date of the holiday was approved by the Church of Constantinople back in the sixth century. From Byzantium, the custom of celebrating the Annunciation spread to European countries, and after the adoption of Christianity it came to Rus'.
3:1415 3:1427Beautiful traditions of the Annunciation.
Why are birds released for the Annunciation?
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In many villages, on the eve of the holiday, they “called out spring”: they lit fires, danced around them and sang stoneflies, baked figurines of birds (larks, waders) from dough; girls and children climbed with them onto roofs or into trees and shouted calls addressed to the birds.
4:1057 4:1067On the day of the Annunciation there was a beautiful tradition of releasing birds into the wild. In cities, entire bird markets were set up, where residents could buy a bird and personally give it freedom.
4:1422 4:1432If today this is done mainly by priests, then before the 1917 revolution, many of the believers who came to the festive service brought with them cages with small birds, which were released into the wild.
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This action symbolizes human soul languishing in a cage of sin , but through the Good News received hope for freedom.
4:250 4:262The custom brings particular joy to children, who like to think that a bird released from its cage will fly to its home.
4:490 4:500Sometimes this is used by those who like to make easy money, who catch small birds especially for the holiday and sell them to believers with children.
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If the pigeons released by the priest, as a rule, live in the nearest dovecote, where they return after gaining freedom, then the birds that are caught can live quite far from the place where they are released. They are often in poor condition, exhausted and frightened by being kept in a cage, so few of them can get to their habitat.
5:1909Earnings like this should not be encouraged and buy birds for the Annunciation from random people.
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What to do on the day of the Annunciation.
The spring holiday of the Annunciation is accompanied by numerous folk signs.
6:943 6:953Believed to be correct Wishes made at the Annunciation always come true.
6:1108 6:1118To attract health, wash your face with melt water
6:1213 6:1223Housewives heated salt in a frying pan and added it to dishes.
6:1340 6:1350In the old days they jumped over a fire.
6:1418 6:1428To attract wealth, they carried coins with them. It was considered the greatest luck to ring them while the cuckoo was calling.
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Women's rituals and ceremonies are performed on the Annunciation related to procreation.
6:172 6:182Salt and water are also blessed.
6:242 6:254On this day, believers attend a festive church service, and light a candle to the Blessed Virgin Mary, after which he spends time with his family.
6:521 6:531It is believed that Annunciation ash, which is raked out of the oven at the end of this day, has the property of increasing the harvest of vegetables. Therefore, in houses with stove heating in villages, ash from heating the oven on the day of the holiday is still stored in order to scatter it on the beds before planting vegetables.
6:1072 6:1082Moreover, on this day beekeepers take hives with bees outside.
6:1212 6:1224What should you not do on Annunciation?
Some ancient folk customs are associated with the Annunciation among the people.
There is a belief that on this day so all labor is prohibited that even sinners in hell stop being tortured and are given rest and freedom.
7:257 7:269Even leaving or going on the road to earn money is considered a sin. . They said: “On Annunciation, a bird does not build a nest, a maiden does not braid her hair,” that is, any work is considered a sin. It was believed that if a bird made a nest on Annunciation Day, its wings would weaken, and then it would be unable to fly or flutter.
7:838 7:848However, if you have to go to work, there's nothing you can do about it, and such work is not considered a sin, since this only means housework.
7:1147 7:1157However, voluntary housework can bring trouble . All the planted seedlings will not be accepted, and the sown grain will not sprout.
7:1412You should not engage in heavy labor or do housework.
7:1544 7:11If possible, it is advisable not to leave home anywhere on this day. , delaying the trip by at least one day.
7:208 7:218You shouldn't go hunting and kill God's innocent creations.
7:352One of the popular prohibitions is related to women's hair: It is believed that on this day one should not braid hair or do complicated hairstyles.
7:604However, the church does not support this opinion: Of course, you can comb your hair and braid your hair, you just shouldn’t put too much effort into caring about your appearance. It is better to take care of the purity of your soul and devote a little more time to prayer.
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Signs for the Feast of the Annunciation
Many signs have been preserved and come down to our time.
8:185 8:195The most important of them is that you can’t do anything around the house. , all earthworks are prohibited.
8:363 8:373Day of the week on which Annunciation fell this year is considered unfavorable for sowing and planting, as well as starting new things. But the day following it, on the contrary, is considered very successful and favorable.
8:766 8:778It is customary not to wear new clothes for the first time at the Annunciation. , otherwise it will quickly be demolished.
8:944 8:956Since the Day of the Annunciation, healthy peasants have moved in the cold part of the hut - the beginning of summer.
8:1132 8:1144It was also considered a sin to continue working in the evenings with a candle. Those who did not adhere to the rules were allegedly threatened with crop failure and other misfortunes.
8:1412 8:1424On the eve of the Annunciation, it was customary for peasants to sow peas.
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Signs about the weather and harvest on the day of the Annunciation
- If there is snow on the roofs at Annunciation, then it will lie there even before Yegor (May 6).
- If there is frost on this day, then expect several more frosty mornings; in the north they count up to forty.
- It's warm for the Annunciation - there's a lot of frost ahead.
- On Annunciation without swallows, it’s a cold spring.
- The winter journey ends either a week before the Annunciation, or a week after the Annunciation.
- The night before, a dark sky without stars means poor egg laying by chickens.
- The sun on the Feast of the Annunciation means the wheat harvest.
- Rain is a holiday - for good fishing, for mushroom autumn.
- If there is a thunderstorm on the holiday, you can expect a warm summer and an excellent harvest of nuts.
- And the frost on this day could bring good forecasts for the harvest of cucumbers and spring crops.
Signs with prosphora for the day of the Annunciation
In order for the year to be calm and successful, for good health, for a prosperous family, it was necessary Be sure to eat the prosphora blessed in the church.
10:353It was baked for each family member or bought, then crumbled and eaten.
10:488 10:498Often crumbs of this church bread were mixed with seeds to obtain a better harvest, and mixed into the feed of livestock and birds. Even for bees, they mixed it with honey and fed their apiary. The peasants believed that this would bring health to all living creatures.
10:956 10:968The main icon of the holiday can be considered the masterpiece of Andrei Rublev:
An angel descends to the Virgin to announce the “Good News” to her.
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Archangel Gabriel brought the greatest news to the Virgin Mary - the Son of God becomes the Son of Man. The prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, the Mother of God responds with consent to the angel’s message: “Let it be done to me according to your word.” Without it voluntary consent God could not become a man. He could not be 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.
11:796 11:806Another famous painting by Sandro Botticelli is also dedicated to the Annunciation.
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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 it is blessed eating fish and oil.
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Happy Annunciation, friends
12:59I want to congratulate you!
12:106I wish you patience
12:152Faith in God and forgiveness,
12:200And peace in your soul,
12:240Paradise in the heart, in the hut,
12:287And hope and humility,
12:332Both love and inspiration!
12:380And warmth, and blessings, and light,
12:429Sun, joy and summer!
12:477All implementation plans
12:532And dreams come true!
On April 7, Orthodox Christians celebrate one of the main church holidays. This event was a turning point for the entire Christian world: it marked the imminent arrival of the Son of God on earth for the salvation of all mankind.
The significance of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the religious world is enormous. On this significant day, the Virgin Mary received a message from Heaven that she would become the mother of God’s Son and give birth to him from an immaculate conception.
Traditions and customs for the Annunciation
If strict fasting continues on this significant day, the church allows a relaxation to be made in honor of the celebration. Christians are allowed to eat fish products.
Work remains prohibited on April 7. Household chores that require attention can be done, but you should refrain from idle pastime. Free time must be devoted to prayers, reflections on life and spiritual enlightenment. According to legends, on this day you cannot sew, knit or weave - this can bring trouble to the house and ruin relationships with household members.
Special attention This holiday is given to birds. They are released to bring the good news about the good deeds and actions of people to Heaven.
On the night of the Annunciation, it is customary to light bonfires to finally melt away the winter cold and attract a warm spring. Garbage, old household items and any items that have become unusable are thrown into the fires.
Ashes from bonfires on Annunciation were taken to the garden and sprinkled on the beds in order to repel pests and protect the crop from adversity.
Plants are also planted on this day. It is believed that God himself blesses them for rapid growth and an abundance of fruit.
After the church service, prosphora is brought home, which is treated to all household members. Leftovers and crumbs are usually given to pets, protecting them from diseases and predatory animals.
Signs for the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Our ancestors carefully watched the weather on this day: rain promised a fruitful year, and a thunderstorm or thunder foreshadowed an abundance of nuts in the fall.
The fishermen at Annunciation hoped for a good catch, because it meant that the fish in the reservoir would not run out and there would be a bite throughout the year.
On the holiday, any swear words, quarrels and showdowns were prohibited. Our ancestors believed that the whole year depended on how the day went. A benevolent attitude, kindness and mutual assistance were mandatory.
Swallows were a good weather indicator: if they appeared before the holiday, it meant a warm winter was ahead.
On this day, nothing can be given away from home, so as not to spend a year in poverty and lack of money.
According to signs, the water consecrated on the Annunciation had healing properties and was used in case of illness of household members.
It is forbidden to wear new clothes on this day: according to legend, they quickly become unusable, and new outfits also do not please customers for long.
It is noteworthy that the weather at the Annunciation reflected the weather at Easter.
The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a special day on which you can ask Higher powers protection and patronage. Any wish of yours, spoken from the bottom of your heart and not containing self-interest, will definitely come true. We wish you good luck and don't forget to press the buttons and
07.04.2017 05:15
The holiday of all Christians, the Annunciation is a truly great day, which symbolizes one of the most important...
The national holiday of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary is a significant Christian holiday. On this day, the heavenly messenger Gabriel informed Mary that she would be the Mother of the son of God. The angel greeted her with the phrase “Hail, Full of Grace,” after which he informed Mary that grace had descended on her from God and that she was called to give birth to the Son of the Most High. Theologians claim that this was the first good news for humanity after the severance of communication with the Almighty due to the Fall. After the appearance of the Archangel Gabriel to the Most Pure Virgin, another, bright era began for humanity.
History of the Annunciation
To understand what the feast of the Annunciation means, you need to understand some historical facts. What does it mean that Mary agreed to give birth to Jesus? First of all, this was a manifestation of the gift of good will that God has endowed on people. According to theologians, moral freedom is a quality that elevates a person above soulless nature. Thus, the sincere consent of the Virgin Mary allowed the Holy Spirit to overshadow her, “without incinerating the virgin’s womb.” The development of the fetus took place according to all natural laws, and Mary obediently carried the Baby until the day of his birth.
On the day of Gabriel’s appearance to Saint Mary, the ancient prophecy of Isaiah came true that the woman would give birth to a son, whose name would be Emmanuel, which is interpreted as “God is with us.” On this day, the Holy Spirit entered the womb of Mary and conceived a son, whose calling was to free the world from the power of the devil and sin.
The very name of the celebration - Annunciation - conveys main meaning the good news associated with it: Mary’s message about her conception of the Child of God. This holiday is one of twelve historically important Orthodox holiday after Easter. All the “twelfth holidays” are dedicated to important events earthly life of the Virgin Mary and Jesus.
When is the Annunciation celebrated?
Catholics and Orthodox Christians use different dates for the Feast of the Annunciation. Protestants and Catholics celebrate the holiday on March 25th. There are several interpretations of the origin of this particular date:
- Direct connection with the day. December 25 is the date of birth of Jesus. If you subtract exactly nine months from this date, you get the date March 25th.
- Date of creation of man. Many church authors believe that the conception of Jesus and the appearance of Mary and Gabriel took place on March 25, since on this day the Almighty created man. This day was supposed to be the beginning of man's redemption from original sin.
- Equinox day. Such a day is traditionally considered the day of the creation of the world, therefore, redemption should begin precisely at the moment of the vernal equinox.
The Orthodox Church of Russia took the Julian calendar with a different time calculation as a basis, so they celebrate the Annunciation on April 7.
Celebration of the Annunciation
This holiday falls on the week of Easter celebrations, or on the days of Lent. This determines the type of liturgy. If the Annunciation falls on Lent, then its rules are slightly relaxed and you can eat fish on this day. 
If a holiday falls during Holy Week, then the fast is observed as strictly as before. If the Annunciation is celebrated on the day (this conjunction is called “Kyriopascha”), then along with Easter hymns the Annunciation is sung.
There are also many folk traditions on this day. People light fires - “burn the winter” and “warm the spring.” Rags, garbage, manure, and straw are burned in bonfires. People believed that on the Annunciation the sky was open for requests and prayers, so in the evening people peered into the sky in search of big stars. When the star was visible, one had to shout out: “God, give me glory!”
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On April 7, the Holy Orthodox Church prayerfully honors the great and joyful feast of the Annunciation of our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. Annunciation means “good” or “good” news. The Feast of the Annunciation is celebrated in remembrance of the appearance of the Archangel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the announcement to them of the mystery of the incarnation from Her of Jesus Christ - the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
Event of the Annunciation
Upon reaching adulthood, according to a custom that had the force of law, the Most Holy Virgin Mary left the Temple of Jerusalem and was handed over to the elderly carpenter Joseph - the Betrothed, or the guardian of Her virginity. Joseph came from the same tribe as Her and took Her to him in order to be Her protector under the guise of marriage. Living in the Galilean city of Nazareth, in the house of Joseph, the Blessed Virgin most She spent time in solitude and silence, engaged in contemplation and prayer, reading the Holy Scriptures and handicrafts.
The events of the Annunciation are described by the only evangelist - the Apostle Luke.
According to the Gospel (Luke 1:26-38), in the 6th month after the conception of Saint John the Baptist by righteous Elizabeth, the Archangel Gabriel was sent from God to the city of Nazareth to the Blessed Virgin Mary with the joyful news that the Savior of the world would be born from Her. Entering Her, Gabriel said: “Rejoice, full of grace! The Lord is with You; Blessed are You among women." Mary was confused by the angel’s greeting and pondered its meaning, but Gabriel continued: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a Son, and you will call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High... and His Kingdom will have no end,” that is, the archangel announced in the same words in which the prophet Isaiah predicted this event long before him (Is. 7:14). According to a number of theologians, the words of the Archangel Gabriel - “Rejoice, full of grace” - became the first “good” news for humanity after its fall. St. Theophylact of Bulgaria (XI-XII centuries) in his interpretation of the Gospel of Luke writes: “Since the Lord said to Eve: “In illness you will give birth to children” (Gen. 3:16), now this illness is resolved by the joy that the Angel brings to the Virgin, saying: Rejoice, full of grace! Because Eve was cursed, Mary now hears: Blessed are you.”
Mary, in bewilderment (according to St. Gregory of Neocaesarea (3rd century), fearing a violation of her virginity) asked how the fulfillment of this promise was compatible with observing the virginal lifestyle chosen by Her: “How will this be when I don’t know a husband?” (Luke 1:34) The Angel answered Her that the incarnation of the Son of God would be accomplished by the miraculous action of the Holy Spirit: “The Holy Spirit will come upon You, and the power of the Most High will overshadow You; therefore the Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Here is Elizabeth, your relative, who is called barren, and she conceived a son in her old age, and she is already in her sixth month, for with God no word will fail” (Luke 1:35-37). Then Mary, seeing the will of God in the words of the angel, said with humility: “Behold, the Servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
Right Nicholas Kavasila (XIV century) comments on these words: “The Incarnation was not only the work of the Father, His Power and His Spirit, but also the work of the will and faith of the Blessed Virgin. Without the consent of the Immaculate One, without the assistance of Her faith, this plan would have remained unfulfilled just as without the action of the three Persons Themselves Divine Trinity. Only after God has instructed and convinced the Holy Virgin does He accept Her as a Mother and borrow from Her flesh, which She joyfully provides to Him. Just as He was incarnated voluntarily, so it was His will that His Mother should give birth to Him freely and of Her own free will.”
By his submission and consent, according to St. Athanasius the Great (IV century), Mary expressed her confession of faith. He compares it to a tablet, “...on which the Scribe writes whatever pleases Him. Let the Lord of all write and do whatever he wants.” No word of the Lord remains powerless, and Mary soon gave birth to the Child Jesus (Luke 1:26-35).
Ap. indirectly mentions the event of the Annunciation. Paul: “When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His only begotten Son, who was born of a woman” (Gal. 4:4).
King Solomon, who received from God all the light of wisdom to explore the secrets of nature, after surveying everything that is in heaven and on earth - past, present and future - decided that there is nothing new in the world under the sun. But in the Annunciation to the grace-filled Virgin Mary, God created a completely new thing, which has never happened in past centuries and will never happen in future ones.
Humanity has been waiting for this day for more than five thousand years. The divine and prophetic books spoke about the coming of the Savior to the world. And the long-awaited hour has come.
Determination of the date and history of the establishment of the holiday
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 about the conception and birth of the Divine Infant Christ. This holiday belongs to the twelve permanent holidays and is celebrated every year on the same April day.
The date of the Annunciation in both the West and the East is considered to be March 25 (old style, April 7 according to the new style). This date is exactly 9 months away from December 25 (old style), which has been since the 4th century. is considered the day of the Nativity of Christ.
For the first time, the date March 25 appears in the works of Western authors of the 3rd century - Tertullian and Schmch. Hippolytus of Rome as the day of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ according to the Roman calendar. This circumstance formed the basis of the Alexandrian and later Byzantine chronological systems, identifying the dates of the Annunciation and Easter.
The establishment of this holiday in Constantinople dates back to approximately the middle of the 6th century. as a consequence of the process of “historicization” of evangelical celebrations in the liturgical calendar, but there is no certainty on this issue. So, at St. Gregory of Neocaesarea there is a “Conversation on the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos” and St. John Chrysostom (IV-V centuries) in his writings calls the Annunciation “the first holiday” and “the root of the holidays”; it can be assumed that the Church was already celebrating the Annunciation at this time. The celebration of the Annunciation is evidenced by the construction in Nazareth, on the site where the Annunciation is believed to have happened, by the Equal-to-the-Apostles Empress Helena at the beginning of the 4th century. Basilica of the Annunciation. At the same time, at the beginning of the 8th century. Armenian author Grigor Arsharuni wrote that the holiday was established by St. Cyril I, Bishop of Jerusalem, in the middle of the 4th century. However, Bishop Abraham of Ephesus (between 530 and 553) testifies that not a single sermon dedicated to the Annunciation had been written before him. Ancient Georgian handwritten Lectionaries, reflecting the liturgical practice of Jerusalem in the 7th century, already contain a special feast of the Annunciation on March 25th. In the 7th century The Annunciation began to be celebrated in Rome and Spain; Gaul accepted it only in the 8th century.
In the VI century. St. Roman the Sweet Singer wrote a kontakion (in the early understanding of the term) of the Annunciation. By the end of the 7th century, this was already one of the most revered holidays in Constantinople. The hymnography of the holiday was supplemented in the 8th century. creations of St. John of Damascus (8th century) and Theophan, Metropolitan of Nicaea (14th century), who compiled the canon of the holiday in the form of a dialogue between the Virgin Mary and the Archangel Gabriel.
All Byzantine monuments of the 8th and subsequent centuries name the Annunciation among the most important holidays; his service invariably takes place on March 25th.
Conversations on the Annunciation of St. have been preserved. Sophronius of Jerusalem (VII century), St. Herman of Constantinople (VIII century), St. John of Damascus and many other later holy fathers and church writers.
In the West, information about the Feast of the Annunciation dates back to approximately the same time as in the East. From the writings of Western Church Fathers and writers, the words for the Annunciation are known, attributed to Latin authors of the 5th century. (Blessed Augustine of Hippo, Saints Peter Chrysologos and Leo I the Great) and subsequent centuries.
The Day of the Annunciation was often considered the day of the beginning of the church or even civil year both in the East and in the West. Coincidence Belief historical date The Resurrection of Christ on March 25 led to the fact that this day was called “Kyriopascha” (Lord’s Day). Nowadays, Kyriopascha is the coincidence of the holidays of Easter and Annunciation that occurs every few years.
The event of the Annunciation in the patristic tradition
“Annunciation,” as stated above, means good, joyful, good news. In essence, this is the same as “Gospel,” because this word is translated from Greek as “good news.”
The Feast of the Annunciation is dedicated to the memory of the day when, as it says Holy Bible, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and announced the coming birth of Jesus Christ - the Son of God, who would take upon himself the sins of the whole world.
In Greek collections of patristic words for various holidays, intended for liturgical use (patristic Lectionaries), 1 or 2 readings are usually given for the Annunciation: the first begins with the words “Again the joy of the gospel” (known under the names of Saints John Chrysostom (IV-V centuries) and St. Gregory of Neocaesarea, and the second is the word of St. Andrew of Crete (VII-VIII centuries) “Today there is joy for all.” In addition, there are manuscripts containing other patristic readings, for example, St. Gregory of Neocaesarea, St. Proclus of Constantinople ( 5th century), sermons attributed to St. Athanasius the Great and St. John Chrysostom. Later authors also wrote words for the Annunciation, for example: St. Sophronius of Jerusalem; St. Germanus, Patriarch of Constantinople, whose sermon “On the Annunciation” contains 2 dialogues The Blessed Virgin Mary with the Archangel and the Righteous Joseph the Betrothed, St. Theodore the Studite (VIII-IX centuries), St. Gregory Palamas (XIV century), Holy Right St. Nicholas Cabasilas (XIV century); St. Moscow Philaret (Drozdov) (XIX century) (he compares the words of Mary “let it be done to me according to your word” with the words of the Creator “let it be” (Genesis 1:3), so that “the word of the creature brings down the Creator into the world”) and many other.
An essential element of the patristic works dedicated to the event of the Annunciation is its dogmatic aspect. In all the words on the Annunciation it is emphasized that the main event of the Annunciation is the accomplished incarnation of the Son of God; St. Theodore the Studite even calls the Annunciation not the Feast of the Theotokos, but the Feast of the Lord. Because of close connection between the Annunciation, the Incarnation and the Nativity of Christ, some sermons could well have been written not for reading on the Annunciation, but for the feast of the Nativity of Christ (for example, the word of St. Proclus of Constantinople or the sermon of St. Leo the Great). The Holy Fathers often emphasize the role of the Blessed Virgin in the Annunciation and Her moral height; this side of the event is clearly expressed in the words of St. Gregory Palamas and St. Nikolai Kavasila. Some of the words inscribed with the name of St. John Chrysostom, as well as the word of St. Herman of Constantinople and the kontakion of St. The novels of the Sweet Singer are constructed in the form of a dialogue, and not only the Blessed Virgin and the Archangel, but also the righteous Joseph the Betrothed participate in the dialogues. Talking about greatest significance The Annunciation in history, the Fathers of the Church do not limit themselves to a dogmatic interpretation of the Gospel narrative - they often (for example, St. Theodore the Studite) draw practical moral conclusions from it.
Iconography of the holiday
Images interpreted as the “Annunciation” are already found in the paintings of the catacombs (Priscilla, 2nd half of the 2nd - 1st half of the 3rd centuries, Peter and Marcellinus, 2nd half of the 3rd - 1st half of the 4th centuries .). As the Annunciation, the scene is interpreted where a young man, whose hand is extended forward, standing in front of a woman sitting in a chair, addresses her with a speech. The plot context allows us to see the Annunciation in this scene, since similar images of wingless angels are known in the frescoes of the catacombs from the compositions “Appearance of the Angel to Tobias”, “Appearance of the Angel to Balaam”, “Appearance of the Trinity to Abraham”. Next in time is the composition of the Annunciation on the relief of the sarcophagus in Ravenna (after 400), where the angel is represented with large wings, with a staff in his left hand, and the seated Mother of God with a spindle and yarn falling into a basket at Her feet.
The scheme that developed in the early Christian period did not undergo significant changes in Byzantine, Balkan and Old Russian art and varies in icons, miniatures and monumental paintings of the 9th-12th centuries. In the 2nd half. XII century The composition is dominated by dynamic expressive features. The movement of the archangel becomes swift, the gaze of the Mother of God turned to him is searching. The composition is complemented by symbolic details. On the icon XII century from the VMC monastery. Catherine in Sinai, in the foreground there is a river with many birds and fish - a symbol of paradise. Behind the throne of the Mother of God, on the golden roof of the high chamber, where there is a nest with birds, there is a garden behind a fence with trees, flowers and birds - “The Prisoner City” - a symbolic image of paradise and the Mother of God (Song 4:12). Golden throne of the Virgin Mary, decorated precious stones both pearls and the building rising behind it with the curtain pulled back resemble the throne of King Solomon (1 Kings 10:18) - also a symbol of the Virgin Mary.
The desire to clearly illustrate the dogma of the Incarnation is most fully expressed in the Russian icon “The Annunciation of Ustyug” (12th century). In the heavenly segment, Jesus Christ is depicted sitting on fiery cherubs, with a ray emanating from His blessing right hand to the Mother of God. The baby in a girdle is painted in the same tones as the maforium (outer clothing; a long woman's veil that goes down from head to toe). The right hand of the Mother of God with a purple thread is raised to the chest, in her lowered left hand She holds a skein of yarn, the thread runs parallel to the figure of the Child, as if held at the shoulder right hand Mother of God. On the Sinai icon con. XII century Also next to the Baby, parallel to the figurine, is a thread that literally illustrates the idea of seeking the “clever scarlet of Emmanuel” - the flesh of Christ “from the pure and virgin blood” of the Mother of God.
The exceptional significance of the feast of the Annunciation, which Saints John Chrysostom and Athanasius of Alexandria call the first among others, was reflected in the location of this subject in church paintings in the altar or pre-altar area. This arrangement clearly demonstrates that through the Incarnation on earth of the Savior, the Son of God, heaven is opened for the human race. In the X-XI centuries. The Mother of God is depicted standing in front of the throne (catholicon of the Vatopedi monastery on Athos; Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv).
In the 12th century The Mother of God is usually depicted sitting on a throne against the backdrop of chambers, with yarn in her hands, half-turned towards the archangel (Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary of the Anthony Monastery in Novgorod (1125)). In the painting of the Novgorod Church of the Great Martyr. Theodore Stratelates on the Stream (late 14th century) depicts a brightly burning lamp in front of the Mother of God sitting on the throne - one of the symbols of the Mother of God, testifying to Her acceptance of the Divine fire.
In accordance with the fact that the Incarnation of the Savior opens the doors of heaven to humanity, the image of the Annunciation is placed on the royal doors of the iconostasis. The Annunciation scene is often combined with the image of Kings David and Solomon in upper parts royal gates: door leaf from the Church of the Hospital of the Virgin Mary in Ohrid (Macedonia) with the Archangel Gabriel and King Solomon (2nd half of the 14th century); gate from the village Bar (Bulgaria, late 16th century, Museum of the Transfiguration Monastery). In Rus', a different type of royal gate is being formed, where the Annunciation is placed at the top of the doors, and on the main door panel either St. Basil the Great and John Chrysostom, whose names are given to 2 Byzantine Liturgies, or 4 evangelists.
The veneration of the Feast of the Annunciation was also expressed in the dedication of numerous churches and monasteries. One of the oldest churches in Rus' is the Church of the Annunciation on the Settlement in Novgorod (XII century). In honor of the Annunciation, gate churches were often consecrated (Church on the Golden Gate in Kyiv (11th century)).
It is noteworthy that in the Kaluga Metropolis many churches were consecrated in honor of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, for example: the cathedral in Borovsk (XVIII-XIX centuries), the cathedral in Meshchovsk (XIX century), churches in Kozelsk (XIX century .), Meshchovsk (XVII century), p. Kurilovo, Zhukovsky district (XVIII century), as well as now inactive, but dedicated to the Holiday: village. Khokhlovo, Meshchovo district (XVIII century), the village of Zaborovka, Peremyshl district (beginning of the 20th century), the village of Andreevskoye, Ferzikovsky district (XVIII century) and others.
Why are white doves released at the Annunciation?
Since ancient times, the white dove has symbolized peace and good news. In addition, the dove is a symbol of the gracious action of the Holy Spirit, and snow-white wings are at the same time a symbol of the purity of the Virgin Mary herself.
In pre-revolutionary Russia, there was a custom, especially in Moscow, on Annunciation Day, as the day of proclaiming freedom to the whole world, to release birds from cages to freedom. Doing any kind of work, even light work, on this day was considered a sin.
In the post-Soviet history of the Russian Orthodox Church, this custom was revived in the 90s of the 20th century, and today in many churches after the Liturgy white doves are released into the sky.
Annunciation is one of the most important and joyful holidays in the Orthodox calendar. This year, the day of the good news falls on the Week - the 4th week of Lent. We talk about the history of the holiday and how to celebrate it.
Celebration date
The date of the Annunciation is considered to be March 25 according to the Gregorian calendar and April 7 according to the Julian calendar. From December 25 (January 7), which since the 4th century has been considered the day of the Nativity of Christ, this date is separated by exactly nine months.
In Orthodoxy, the Annunciation is included in the list of twelve most important holidays after Easter. It is celebrated every year on the same day. In the Orthodox Church, which uses the Julian calendar, this is April 7th. This year the Annunciation falls on Lent and coincides with Holy Saturday. This means that you will not be able to eat fish on the holiday. According to the monastery charter, during Lent, fish is allowed only twice - on the Annunciation and on Palm Sunday. But the significance of Good Friday, as well as every day of Holy Week, cancels these relaxations.
Meaning and history
The events of the Annunciation are described by only one evangelist - Luke, and are also found in some apocrypha.
Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and announced: “Rejoice, full of grace! The Lord is with you! Blessed are you among women,” saying that She had acquired the greatest grace from God - to be the Mother of the Son of God. In the Christian tradition, it is believed that this news was the first good news that humanity received since the fall of Adam and Eve.
Name of the holiday
The very name “Annunciation” (“Evangelismos” in Greek) comes from the word “Gospel”. “Gospel” means “good news”, “good news”.
The name of the holiday came into use only from the 7th century. Before this, in the works of the authors of those years there were names: “Day of Greeting”, “Annunciation”, “Greeting to Mary”, “Conception of Christ”, “Beginning of Redemption”, etc. The full name of the holiday in Orthodoxy is: “Annunciation of our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.”
Although the holiday itself appeared earlier: most historians believe that the tradition of celebrating the Annunciation was established no earlier than the 4th century.
Who celebrates the Annunciation on April 7
Jerusalem, Russian, Georgian, Serbian orthodox churches, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (within Ukraine), as well as the Old Believers celebrate the Annunciation according to the Julian calendar - April 7.
Holiday traditions
According to tradition, after the Liturgy, white birds are released in many churches. This custom dates back to folk tradition spring meeting. Like many others, this pagan custom was adapted to Christian values with the advent of Christianity. From the Gospel we learn that the Holy Spirit descended on the Lord during his baptism in the Jordan River in the form of a dove. Immaculate Conception Archangel Gabriel also explains the Virgin Mary of Jesus Christ as the action of the Holy Spirit : The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you (Luke 1:35). This tradition emerged from the fusion of folk custom, the image of the Holy Spirit and the words of the Gospel.
The Church says that on the day of the Annunciation, as on other major church holidays, every Christian believer should try to put aside their affairs for the sake of being present in church and praying.
There are no funeral services or prayers on this day, and the church also does not hold weddings on this day. Those who want to get married without conflicting with Orthodox traditions, can do this starting from the first Sunday after Easter.
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