Liturgical Calendar & Feasts
Annunciation: March 25
The Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive the Son of God by the Holy Spirit. Mary's response: 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word' (Luke 1:38), is the supreme act of human free will cooperating with divine grace. Celebrated exactly 9 months before Nativity. Fasting is relaxed (fish permitted).
Sources
- Luke 1:26-38 the Greek New Testament
- Menaion (March 25) the OCA calendar
- St. John of Damascus, Homily on the Annunciation