Orthodox Icon of the Annunciation

The Annunciation Please do not deep-link to any of our icons.

March 25th Troparion (Tone 4)
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: "Rejoice, O full of grace. The Lord is with you!"

This icon depicts the Archangel Gabriel and the Theotokos as the Angel of God appeared to the Virgin Mary to announce the birth of Christ. (Luke 1:26-37). St. Nicholas Cabasilas says, "The Incarnation was not only the work of the Father, of His Power and His Spirit: it was also the work of the will and the faith of the Virgin." In the words of another holy hierarch, "All creation held its breath, wondering what her answer would be." The Virgin was taken by surprise and was quite afraid, but answered simply, "Behold the handmaiden of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." When God elected to become man, He desired to do so with the willing agreement of her whom He chose as His mother. The Virgin was a willing participant in God's grace for mankind. She played an active and positive role in God's plan of salvation. The red thread that she is holding represents that it was she who wove the veil in the Temple that later was miraculously rent from top to bottom at the death of her Son. Her acceptance of God's will is depicted in this icon by her upraised and open hand.

This icon is Russian of the Novgorod school. It bears no inscription.

Order #svp-07 or svp-07s for small size.