The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary

“Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!…

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!…

For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed!”

(Luke 1:28-42-56)

Boston Byzantine Choir:

it-is-truly-meet

agni-parthene-o-virgin-pure-in-english-part-1

agni-parthene-o-virgin-pure-in-english-part-2

akathist-hymn-to-the-most-holy-theotokos-ode-1-boston-choir

Byzantion: bucura-te_marie_byzantion

 

Apolytikion (Fourth Tone)

Today marks the crowning of our salvation and the revelation of the mystery before all ages. For the Son of God becomes the son of the Virgin, and Gabriel proclaims the grace. Wherefore, we also cry out with him, “Hail, O full of grace, the Lord is with you.”

Kontakion (Plagal of the Fourth Tone)

To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: “Hail, unwedded bride!”

Lectures on the Feast of the Annunciation by Father Evan

of St. Spyridon Orhodox Church, CO:

1. annunciation1-fr-evans

2. annunciationii-with-frevans

The Church of Annunciation, in Nazareth:

A Trebnic Prayer

See, O Queen, how I sin without ceasing and provoke thy Son and my God to wrath.

And oft, though I repent, I am found to be false before God, and I repent with trembling, lest the Lord strike me down; but soon after, I fall back into the same misdeeds.

Knowing these things, O my Lady, Most Holy Theotokos, wherefore shalt thou not take

pity upon me, wherefore not strengthen me, and for what cause not grant me always to do those things that are good?

For thou knowest, O Lady, that I have naught but hate for mine evil deeds, and with all my mind love the law of my God.

But I wit not, Lady most pure, why I do those things that I hate, and trespass against what I love.

But permit not, O Most Holy One, for my will to be done, for it is not becoming;

but let there be done in me will of thy Son and my God, so that He may save me, and bring me to understanding, and grant me the Grace of the Holy Spirit, so that henceforth I might cease to do the works of wickedness, and live the rest of mine appointed time according to the mandates of the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,

to Whom belongeth all glory, honour, worship and majesty, together with His Father Who is without beginning, and His All-Holy, and Good, and Life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and from ages of ages.

Amen.

(Polny Sbornik Molitv, pp.27-28)