Today, March 25, we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.
Today is the beginning of our salvation, / the revelation of the eternal mystery! / The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin / as Gabriel announces the coming of Grace. / Together with him let us cry to the Theotokos: / Hail, O Full of Grace, / the Lord is with You!
Troparion for the Feast of the Annunciation
This Great Feast of the Church commemorates the announcement by Gabriel the Archangel to the Virgin Mary that the Son of God, Our Lord Jesus Christ, would become flesh of her flesh and enter into the world through her womb for the salvation of the world. (Luke 1:28-36., cf. John 1:4)
This day is one of the oldest feasts celebrated by the Church. It also serves as notice that Christmas is 9 months away!