The Annunciation of the Theotokos
Blessed Lent!
In the midst of this season of repentance and compunction, the Church celebrates the joyful feast of the Annunciation. We hear the triumphant words of the Apolytikion of the feast: “Today is the beginning of our salvation.”
With the Archangel Gabriel’s message and the Virgin Mary’s perfect obedience and humble "yes" to God — "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word" — heaven and earth are united, and the door to our salvation is opened.
The Akathist Hymn and Salutation services are also chanted during Great Lent, honoring the Theotokos for her role in the plan of salvation, and her role as an example, as our mother, and as our intercessor.
This lesson includes:
The Biblical account of the Annunciation from the Gospel of Luke
The icon of the feast and what it teaches us
Old Testament prophecies of the Mother of God
The Akathist Hymn and Salutations to the Mother of God
Her role as our greatest intercessor who continually prays for us before her Son
The Apolytikion and Kontakion of the feast
Age-appropriate discussions and activities
Praise of the Mother of God with Akathist in 24 scenes
As we teach this lesson, may all of us draw nearer to the Mother of God, and together cry out:
Most Holy Theotokos, save us! — Ὑπεραγία Θεοτόκε, σῶσον ἡμᾶς!
In Christ,
Three Hierarchs Academy Press
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