ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH CELEBRATES THE ANNUNCIATION TO ST. MARY

Monday,
April 09

Today, the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates one of her greatest
feasts – the Annunciation to St. Mary. In the Gospel of Luke we learn
that the Angel Gabriel brings the good news to the Virgin about the
birth of the Savior (Lk 1:26-38). Upon the Pontifical order of His
Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
the Feast of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary is proclaimed as a
day of “Blessing of Motherhood and Beauty”. On that day, a special
blessing service is conducted in the Armenian Churches.

According to Holy Tradition and the Evangelist, the Angel Gabriel
appears to St. Mary while reading a passage from the prophecy of
Isaiah, in which it is written about the birth of the Emmanuel from
a Virgin. The Angel greets Mary, telling her, “Fear not, Mary: for
you have found favor with God. And behold, you shall conceive in your
womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call His Name JESUS.”

The Angel Gabriel further explains to Mary, “The Holy Sprit shall come
upon you, and the Power of the Highest shall overshadow you, therefore
also that which is Holy which shall be born of you shall be called the
Son of God.” St. Mary could foresee the torments and sufferings that
she would endure. However, by giving mankind an excellent example of
obedience to the Divine Will, she said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May
it happen to me as you have said.” Beginning from the moment when
the Holy Virgin expressed these words, she was with child.

This Gospel story is one expression of why the Armenian Church accords
high honor to motherhood, and appreciates the role of women in family
life, and the lives of mankind.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress