Annunciation to the Theotokos

An exact replica of the Annunciation to the Theotokos icon. Made on a particle board with the use of the most advanced imprinting and production techniques. The background is decorated in a way that gives the impression of glossy gilding.

The Annunciation of the Mother of God is part of the God's Economy of Salvation, that is, His plan for the salvation of man from sin and death. It is the feast of the Lord and the Theotokos, that is, a feast dedicated to our Savior and the Blessed Mother of God.

In Orthodox theology, the veneration of the Mother of God arises from the veneration of the fruit of her womb, our Lord Jesus Christ. That is why Our Lady is usually depicted not alone, but with the Son in her arms.

Gabriel the Archangel (who is the character of all the events associated with the Incarnation of God) visits the Virgin Mary at the command of the Lord. In His hand he holds a scepter; the symbol of the messenger. In his posture one senses the power and joy of what he is about to proclaim to Mary; Her consent will mean that She will give birth to the Son of God, the Savior of the world.

Mary is depicted seated on a throne; this shows Her superiority over the archangel. According to the Gospel of James, Mary was spinning yarn when the archangel visited Her. Often iconography follows this very tradition when depicting the Annunciation. Having only been betrothed to Joseph, the carpenter, She humbly wonders how can this plan be carried out, for She has no husband. The archangel then assures Her that the grace of the Holy Spirit and the power of the Lord will bless Her; the sacrament that is to take place defies rational explanation.

The tilt of the Blessed Virgin's head corresponds to the words of the Gospel: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word”. Mary of Nazareth freely and consciously accepts the God's Economy of Salvation.

We celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25.