Annunciation of the Virgin Mary

"And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.  And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."

Luke 1:30-33

 

The name of our beloved church, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, is named after the blessed event of the Angel Gabriel announcing to the Virgin Mary that she will bear a Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  This amazing icon depicting the Feast of the Annunciation is one that presents the great joy of the coming of Christ with bright colors and dynamic angles.

The icon shows the Angel Gabriel, who has decended from Heaven and the Virgin Mary, who has been chosen to be the Mother of God.  The Archangel is shown with his feet spread apart as if he is running to share the good news with Mary.  In his left hand is a staff, the symbol of a messenger.  His right hand is extended toward Mary as he delivers the message and announces the blessing bestowed upon her from God.