Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin. Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos is one of the revered feasts in Christianity. It is timed to the event that occurred in the evangelical times, namely the appearance before the Virgin Mary of the Archangel Gabriel, who informed her about the future birth of his son. Since then, the Annunciation is a symbol of the good news for all people.

Prehistory of the Annunciation

In those days, girls under fourteen were brought up in the temples, and when they reached this age, they were usually married or returned to their parents. So for the Virgin Mary they were going to find a worthy husband, but she decided to remain virgin and devote her life to serving the Lord.

The priests listened to her wishes and betrothed Joseph to an eighty-year old man. So she moved to Nazareth and began to live in his house. Joseph guarded her chastity, she lived modestly and secluded, as before in the temple.

Four months later, the apparition of Archangel Gabriel happened , which informed her that she would become the mother of God's Son. Unbeknownst to her husband, the virgin Mary accepted the will of God. It is believed that if the Mother of God did not have such faith, if for some reason she refused the words of the Archangel, then the conception would not have happened. This shows a very important moment for people. Faith has a very great power, without it nothing can happen.

At that moment the Immaculate Conception itself took place . Of course, there are many skeptics on this score, but believing people call this moment just a miracle.

Now in honor of this event in many cities there is a church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin.

Customs of the Annunciation

This day is very significant for believing Christians. Its symbol can be called a flying bird, which was traditionally launched at the Annunciation. It meant freedom, any, but most importantly - for the search for the Kingdom of God. It is also customary to read the liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. In the church, the all-night service begins, beginning with a special evening service.

Also on this day, any work is prohibited. It was said that even a bird does not nest a nest, the braid girl does not weave.

It was also necessary to survive the salt and add it to the dough, from which baked different bakery products. They were allowed to eat both native and domestic animals. There was a sign that such salt helps to cope with diseases.

The Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos is the day when nature awakens from the winter, and also agricultural work begins. All seeds and seeds were planted for planting. To do this, they brought an icon, placed near them and read a prayer. It was believed that this contributes to a rich harvest.

Existing signs and superstitions for this holiday

There are also signs on this day - both natural and everyday. For example, in the presence of wind, fog or frost, it was said about the rich harvest. If the rain has poured the earth, then there will be a good harvest of rye, if there was a frost, it is to mushrooms. But the storm foreshadowed a lot of nuts and a warm summer.

In the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, one can neither give money to anyone, nor ask for anything. In the first case, luck will be given, and in the second case, financial difficulties will be pursued for a whole year.

It is not recommended on this day to do any manipulation with hair, as this will weaken them, and they will fall out.

It was considered good luck for the next year to steal something.

The curative power possessed on this day prosphora, taken in the temple. She was kept for a whole year and, if necessary, was given a soaked slice to a sick person.

Day of the Annunciation

The Feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos falls on the twenty-fifth of March according to the Julian calendar and on the seventh of April according to the Gregorian, which we use now. True, this number corresponds only to the Russian, Jerusalem, Ukrainian, Georgian and Serbian Orthodox churches, this also includes the Ukrainian Greek Catholics, and is also accepted by the Old Believers.

From the day of this holiday until Christmas is exactly nine months. For the day just before and after the Annunciation, festivities are also celebrated. They are canceled when they coincide with the Passion or Light Week.

If we talk about the Catholic and Protestant church, then this holiday falls on the twenty-fifth of March according to the modern Gregorian calendar.

Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Images of this event were discovered in the catacombs, which date from the II-III century, although the holiday itself was established not earlier than the IV century.

The icon of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos is located on the Royal Gates. It is surrounded by four evangelists. It has a symbolic meaning. Here an important comparison is made between the Annunciation and the Holy Gifts of Christ, which are spoken of in the Communion. By the way, this icon is representative of one of the three types that exist in Russian iconography. On it the Virgin is depicted with yarn, which is also symbolic. The meaning of this image with spinning is that as a result of this the flesh of Christ appears, although the Virgin was pure and virgin.

Another type of image is the Mother of God with the baby in the womb, when he was not yet born. The icon "Ustyug Annunciation" illustrates this method of writing graphically.

There is also another type of writing. This is "The Annunciation at the Fountain." Such an image can be seen on the walls of the temple. Its meaning is that the Mother of God heard a voice from the well, warning her of what would happen. It is now considered pre-emption.

There are also attributes that can be present on the image:

• Lily - denotes purity and purity, both spiritual and bodily;
• Spindle (red yarn), spinning wheel - the flesh of Christ;
• book;
• The heavenly branch that the Archangel Gabriel holds;
• a ray of light;
• Well - cleanliness;
• jug;
• swallow.

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos is a great event in Christian history. This was the good news that salvation and redemption are possible. The act of obedience to Mary seemed to balance the disobedience of Eve.

Obviously, that is why prayers are offered for that icon under various ailments for their healing, and also if someone is imprisoned of any kind. The intercession of the Mother of God helps during the time of despondency or grief.

Some temples built in honor of the Annunciation of the Virgin

The Church of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos is in almost every city. There you can come, pray, tell about your troubles and sorrows, ask for intercession. Also there are those that are in a deplorable state and require restoration, but this does not become less valuable.

For example, there is such a church in the Ryazan province in the village of Kolentsi. He is in a dilapidated state, has the status of an object of culture. Its history of construction goes back to 1752.

Also in the city of Tula there is an ancient active temple of the Annunciation, the construction of which is referred to in 1692. In Soviet times there were warehouses in it. Since 1990 there has been an active restoration of it, which does not end to this day.

In the Republic of Komi in Siziabsk there is also a well-known church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin. The year of construction dates back to 1843-1854.

And this, of course, is not all the famous buildings. In honor of this event, a sufficient number of temples and churches were built.

Temple in Fedosino

The first mention of the church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Fedosino refers to the XVII century, when the documents included a wooden church. She belonged to the Ascension Maiden Monastery.

Now the temple is built of brick, as in the XIX century. Also around him was once a cemetery that was demolished. The temple itself was destroyed many times, but it was always restored by God's command.

Speaking about Fedosino himself, for a long time the village was prosperous, it had a school, and developed their crafts. Over time, all this was not, and after the revolution, it turned into a seedy village.

Over time, the place Fedosino grew new buildings, where the villagers moved. The restoration of the church began in 1991 and continues to this day. Also was found and the miraculous icon of Theodore of Our Lady, on whose account there is already one famous miracle.

The Annunciation Cathedral of the Theotokos

There are also numerous Annunciation cathedrals all over Russia and the surrounding countries. For example, an ancient building in Moscow, which was built in 1489. It has an interesting history - it was destroyed several times, then restored. It has ancient icons, which were written by Andrei Rublev himself.

In Athens, there is also the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is considered an important center of the Greek church. It is also called Metropolis.

This cathedral was built from 1842 to 1862. Nearby is a more ancient structure - Mikri Mitropoli, which dates from the 12th century.

In addition, in Ukraine in the city of Kharkov there is also a large Cathedral of the Annunciation. It is built in Byzantine style, perhaps, this is the only such temple in Orthodoxy. His history of origin is rather vague, the first mention of him was about 1720.

The temple was also subjected to many fires, but it was rebuilt. The status of the cathedral was received in 1914.

Thus, the event that happened in the Gospel times is now embodied not only in festive veneration, but also in built structures, icons, prayers.