Tuesday, March 24, 2020

"The Archangel Gabriel was sent from heaven to bring the good news..."

The Annunciation to the Theotokos (source)
  
The Archangel Gabriel was sent from heaven to bring the good news of conception to the Virgin, and, coming to Nazareth, he said to himself, being astonished at the wonder: "How is He, Who dwells in the highest as one incomprehensible, coming to be born of a virgin, He Whose throne is heaven, and Whose footstool is the earth, is coming to be contained in the woman's womb? The Six-winged [Seraphim] and the Many-eyed [Cherubim] are unable to gaze upon Him, and through His word alone, He is condescending to become incarnate, as the Word of God. Why am I standing here, and not saying to the Lady: 'Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Rejoice, O pure Virgin, rejoice, O unwedded Bride, rejoice the Mother of life, blessed is the fruit of your womb.'"
-Doxastikon of the Stichera from the Great Vespers of the Annunciation, written by St. John of Damascus
(source)
  
Most-holy Theotokos, save us!
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

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