Feast of the Annunciation 2023: The Feast of the Annunciation is celebrated annually on March 25 under various titles. It is also known as the Feast of the Incarnation, Conceptio Christi, and Lady Day. It is a Christian holiday commemorating the angel Gabriel’s announcement to the Virgin Mary that she would give birth to Jesus Christ during his visit.
The Feast of the Annunciation is celebrated by many Christian denominations, but especially by Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran congregations. In Orthodox Christianity, the holiday is one of the eight great feasts of God and a significant Marian feast.
History of the Annunciation Feast
The Feast of the Annunciation was first mentioned in the “Canons of the Councils of Toledo” and Constantinople. It was celebrated as early as the fourth or fifth century. Toledo’s entire church reportedly commemorated the Feast of the Annunciation in the year 656 A.D.
The Feast of the Annunciation is celebrated on March 25 each year in the Roman Catholic Church, unless the date occurs during the Easter Triduum – Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday – in which case it is moved to the most appropriate day during Easterside. In Eastern Orthodoxy and Eastern Catholicism, the date never changes, even if it occurs during Easter. When Easter and the Annunciation occur on the same day, it is known as Kyriopascha.
The Annunciation is described in the Bible from verses 26 to 38 of Luke chapter 1. The angel Gabriel was sent to meet Mary, a virgin in Nazareth, Galilee, according to the Bible. At the time, Mary was engaged to a man named Joseph.
Mary was greeted by Gabriel, who told her not to be afraid because she had found favour with God. He told her that she would bear the Son of God. When she responded that she was a virgin, he assured her that she would receive the Holy Spirit. He also informed her that her childless cousin Elizabeth would conceive a child despite her advanced age. Mary replied, “Let it be done to me in accordance with your word.” Joseph subsequently received an announcement, as detailed in Matthew 1:18.
The Feast of the Annunciation commemorates God’s entry into the human world through Jesus and Mary’s acceptance of God’s command.
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HOW TO CELEBRATE ANNUNCIATION FEAST
Don beige
During church services during the Feast of the Annunciation, the colour white is donned. The colour is employed because it symbolises the Virgin Mary’s purity, virtue, and sanctity. You may don your preferred white outfit and participate in the festivities.
Say a Holy Mary
One of the rituals derived from the Annunciation is the Hail Mary. The Hail Mary is a supplication that asks Mary to intercede on behalf of her son, Jesus Christ. You can celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation as a Catholic by reciting the Hail Mary.
Aid an expectant lady
Pregnancy can be a difficult time for many women. In honour of Saint Mary, you can assist or care for a pregnant individual in your community.
5 FACTS ABOUT ST. MARY AND THE PROPHECY
It Occurred in an Italian Home.
The house where Mary grew up and received the annunciation is presently located in Loreto, Italy.
Divine Moniker
The name Jesus was bestowed to Mary’s promised son in accordance with Gabriel’s instructions.
Eternal Virgin
Despite being married to Joseph, the Catholic Church asserts that Mary remained a virgin throughout her entire existence.
The day Jesus was Crucified
The early church selected March 25 as the date for the Feast of the Annunciation because they believed people perished on the same day they were conceived, and they believed Jesus died on that date.
Leonardo Da Vinci Painted It
Da Vinci was one of many artists who depicted the annunciation in “The Annunciation,” a detailed painting he created.
FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 25 | Saturday |
| 2024 | March 25 | Monday |
| 2025 | March 25 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | March 25 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | March 25 | Thursday |
