Lecturer of the Department of Psychology at the Dnipro Institute of the Private Joint-Stock Company "MAUP", legal expert, and psychologist of the Amur-Nyzhnodniprovskyi District Division of the Branch of the State Institution "Probation Center" in Dnipropetrovsk Region, Eduard Abashiya, provides the following information. The Annunciation is one of the Twelve Great Feasts – the 12 major feasts after Easter. The date of the feast is March 25 according to the Julian calendar, which corresponds to April 7 in the Gregorian style. The name of the feast originates from the Greek word "Εὐαγγελισμός" (Evangelismos), which means “good news”. In Church Slavonic, this word sounds like "Благовѣщѣнїе".

This is a Christian holiday associated with the forthcoming birth of Jesus Christ. According to the biblical legend, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and brought her good news that she had been chosen, had “found favor with God,” and would soon give birth to the Messiah – the Savior of the world. Mary joyfully and humbly accepted the great news of the Immaculate Conception, seeing in the angel's words a sign that humanity was finally forgiven for the original sin committed by Adam and Eve.

According to the New Testament:

“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. The angel came to her and said, ‘Greetings, O favored one! The Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.’ But she was greatly troubled at the saying and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ And Mary said to the angel, ‘How will this be, since I am a virgin?’ And the angel answered her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.” (Gospel of Luke 1:26–38)

The Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is considered one of the most joyful and radiant days in the Orthodox Christian world. One of the most famous and beautiful traditions of this feast is the release of birds into the wild, symbolizing the soul and freedom. This tradition dates back to ancient times and symbolizes the liberation of the human soul through the good news. It was also believed that people who passed away on this day did not go to hell, and sinners in hell were not punished during this feast.

During this festive period, it is recommended to do good deeds, help those in need, refrain from evil actions, share your smile with others, and bring good news.

We wish everyone peace, lots of joyful tidings in life, calmness, and good news!