A very important, significant and undoubtedly joyful news was reported on a sunny spring day by Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary. He told her, a very young, virgin girl, that she would become the mother of the Savior.
Growing up in the temple, Mary, like all the people of Israel, looked forward to the Messiah.
She must have been praying for His coming soon. But could she have thought that the important mission of birthing and nurturing the human incarnation of the Lord would go to her?
No, she was surprised, amazed, scared. However, the very behavior of Mary suggests that the choice of the Lord was right. Unlike Zacharias, who heard the news of the upcoming birth of his son John, began to doubt and say that this was impossible, Mary immediately brushed aside “impossible”. She asked how that would happen.
Mary’s whole life is acceptance. She also accepted the Annunciation. With willingness, with sacrifice, with humility. Thanks to her, the story of the salvation of mankind began.
Frescoes telling the story of the Annunciation appeared in Roman catacombs in the late 2nd, early 3rd century. However, the holiday itself began to be celebrated later. This was facilitated by St. Helena’s pilgrimage to Jerusalem and her discovery of places connected with the life and death of Christ. The construction of temples, the growth of the number of pilgrims, increased interest in the events of that time. One Armenian author wrote that the church feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin was approved by St. Cyril, Bishop of Jerusalem. He lived in the second half of the 4th century.
In Constantinople, the Annunciation was celebrated with great pomp, a procession of the cross, a solemn prayer.
On the day Mary heard the good news, the church celebrates the triumph of Divine mercy and human humility. Without the consent of the Virgin, the Incarnation would be impossible. Gregory Palamas said that on this day Mary showed us all what it means to love the Lord with all my heart, with all my mind, with all my power. The power of her faith was not in the Pharisaic demonstration of righteousness. She proved her willingness to accept everything that the Lord sent in her way.
“Let it be according to your word” means the night in the den, the worship of the magicians, and the flight to Egypt. There will be a crucifixion, but there will be a resurrection. Are we capable of accepting God’s will? Are you ready?
On this day, to her, young but so courageous, we sing a victory and thanksgiving song. Rejoice, blessed one, and let us rejoice with You!
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