THE ANNUNCIATION OF OUR MOST HOLY LADY,
THE THEOTOKOS AND EVER-VIRGIN MARY
March 25/April 7
And
it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius
was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea,
unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house
and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great
with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished
that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped
him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room
for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in
the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the
Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they
were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring
you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is
born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And
this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes,
lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the
heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone
away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go
even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord
hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph,
and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad
the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard
it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary
kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen,
as it was told unto them. (Luke 1:26-38)
Troparion
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Today is the fountainhead of our salvation and the manifestation of the
mystery which was from eternity. The Son of God becometh the Virgin's
Son, and Gabriel proclaimeth the good tidings of grace; wherefore, we
also cry to the Theotokos with him: Rejoice, thou who art full of grace,
the Lord is with thee..
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