Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on April 7: the meaning of one of the main church holidays
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On April 7, according to the Gregorian calendar, Orthodox believers in Russia celebrate the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Annunciation is one of the twelve twelfth holidays, which are surpassed in importance only by Easter.
The events of the Annunciation are described by the Apostle Luke. He says that the Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth to the Virgin Mary and brought her good news, saying that Jesus Christ would be born from her. Mary responded with the words, “Behold, the Servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” It is believed that the virgin birth occurred at the moment these words were uttered.
Many theologians believe that the words of the Virgin Mary became the beginning of the history of the redemption of mankind – with her obedience she “balanced” the disobedience of Eve.
The Annunciation is celebrated on March 25 according to the Julian calendar. Some church authors indicate that this date is exactly 9 months from December 25 according to the Julian calendar, the Nativity of Christ. Another approach to determining the date suggests that on March 25, according to a group of legends, the world was created.
Tradition allows you to eat fish at the Annunciation.
The Annunciation is an enduring holiday, that is, it is always celebrated on the same date.
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