It is believed that on this day the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary.
April 7 Christians of the Eastern rite celebrate Feast of the Annunciation . This is one of the 12 most important holidays for Christians, it is permanent and is celebrated annually on the same day.
The meaning of the holiday
The word itself “Annunciation” means “good”, “good” or “good news”. On this day, believers commemorate the events when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary, who informed her that she would become the mother of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
The name of the holiday was given in the VII century, at that time it was called “the conception of Christ”, “Annunciation of Christ”, “Annunciation” and so on. The full name of the holiday in Orthodoxy reads: “Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Blessed Virgin Mary”.
Read also: Easter 2022: the date of this year's holiday
Traditions of celebration
Any work on this day was considered a sin.
On this day it was customary to release birds, especially pigeons. It is believed that they will bring good news to the guardian angels.
You can't sew or knit anything on a holiday. It is believed that human life is a thread that only angels and God can control. On this day, the possibility of tangling threads is very high.
You can not wear new clothes on this day.
You can not visit the holiday, it should be spent in a family circle. If a girl or a woman knocks on the door, she may be a witch.
It was also customary to procure evangelical salt. Each member of the family threw a pinch of salt into a special bag, after which the hostess pierced it and saved it for special occasions. It is believed that such salt can cure even the hopelessly ill. If salt is not needed during the year, it should be burned at the stake.
Prayer for the Annunciation
Virgin Mary, rejoice!
< I greet you, Immaculate Virgin, with the words with which the Archangel Gabriel once greeted you in Nazareth. You are full of all graces, the Lord is with you.
The Most High raised you to the highest dignity in heaven and on earth, because I chose you to be the Mother of my Son. You are one of the women chosen for such dignity.
I glorify You, glorify You, honor You, Daughter of the Eternal Father, Mother of the Son of God, Bride of the Holy Spirit.
In addition to such dignity, You, Blessed Virgin, are so humble that you call Yourself a servant of God.
So I pray You: teach me that greatest virtue – obedience. Ask me for mercy so that I can only boast that I am Your servant. And when I will be Your faithful servant, then I will do God's will in everything and therefore I will be a participant in God's glory in heaven. I hope this from You, I am asking You for it today. Amen
