The Sacrament of the Annunciation is of extraordinary importance, for it is from it that the New Testament begins, our salvation begins. For the good news of the archangel about the incarnation of the Son of God, humanity has been waiting for many, many millennia. Heaven was waiting for that good news, the earth was waiting, the souls of the righteous in hell were waiting. On this day, God's promise to send the Savior was fulfilled, for on this day “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).
In the sermon on the Annunciation, attributed to Saint John Chrysostom, we read: “Gabriel was sent to announce universal salvation. Gabriel was sent to bring Adam the promise of a return from slavery. Gabriel was sent to the Virgin to replace the dishonor of the female sex with honor. Gabriel was sent to prepare a worthy wedding chamber for the pure Bridegroom. Gabriel was sent to betroth the creature to the Creator. Gabriel was sent to the living chamber of the King of angels. Gabriel was sent to the Virgin betrothed to Joseph, but kept for the Son. A disembodied servant was sent to the pure Virgin. He was sent free from sin to the one taken out of corruption. A lamp was sent to point to the Sun of righteousness. He was sent the morning that runs before the light of day. He was sent Gabriel, pointing to Him who is in the bosom of the Father and in the arms of the Mother. Gabriel was sent, announcing Him who is on the throne and in the manger.” (Works, Vol. 8, p. 854).
In the homily given by the Prologue for this day, the meaning of the sacrament of the Annunciation is stated as follows: “Today the Son and Word of God, our Lord and God, inexpressibly enters the womb of the Virgin, desiring by His incarnation to deify man, the creation of His hands, and to bring him back to the ancient paradise. Today the uncreated is placed in His creation. Today the invisible becomes visible. Today the untouchable begins in the virgin womb and becomes touchable. Today the Word of God takes on flesh. The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin… Today the gates of paradise are thrown open, and the fiery weapon that expelled human nature hastily departs, and the human race, through faith in Christ and good deeds, joyfully re-enters paradise. Today Adam rejoices, having received his Creator into his nature. Today Eve, having torn off the serpent’s head, cries out to her fierce tempter, the whole world to joy, saying: “Rejoice with me, for today we have found unspeakable joy and freedom from all sins.”
With the moment of the angel's announcement, the Son of God begins the first moments of His earthly life in the virginal womb of the Most Pure Virgin Mary. Against the backdrop of this feast, her privileges of motherhood and virginity stand out clearly.
