The Annunciation of our Most Blessed Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

Luke 1:26-38

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary.

And having come in, teh angel said to her, "Rejoice, full of grace, teh Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.

Then the angel sid to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end."

Then mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man."

And the angel answered and said toher, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible."

Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word."

Adn the angel departed from her.

 

FEAST DAY: March 25

Apolytikion

Today is the beginning of our salvation and the revelation of the mystery of the ages. O the Son of God becomes on this day the Virgin’s Son and Gabriel proclaims this gift from God. Together with him we cry out to the Theotokos singing: Hail to you who are filled with grace. The Lord is with you.