February 22, 7534
“Today is the beginning of our salvation and the revelation of the eternal mystery”—so begins the troparion of the feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Mother of God. In these words, “our salvation” refers to the incarnation of the Word of God—His coming into the world in the flesh, in human nature and form—as the…
By Bishop Mikhail (Semyonov) In secular art, following a tradition that nonetheless has its roots in ancient Christian iconography, the Holy Virgin or the angel in depictions of the Annunciation is often shown with lilies. The lily is a beautiful symbol of the chaste purity of the Holy Virgin—a fragrant, snow-white flower, joyfully opening itself…
The Annunciation is a joyful feast, for in it is proclaimed the coming into the world of the Saviour, who brought tidings of reconciliation between man and God. He opened the radiant gates of paradise, which had been shut to the human race because of the transgression of God’s commandments, and He declared the endless…