Annunciation in 2025: what date do the Orthodox celebrate, the essence of the great holiday

On April 7, the Orthodox Church celebrates the great feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos. It is one of the twelve dates that identify the most important events of the earthly life of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Monday. What events underlie the holiday and how to celebrate it — read in the Izvestia article.

Annunciation in 2025 — what date, the history of the holiday

The Feast of the Annunciation is dedicated to a turning point in the life of the Virgin Mary. According to the Gospel of Luke, the archangel Gabriel descended from heaven to the righteous woman, bringing the good news to the girl: she was destined to give birth to the Son of God.

"He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High," said the archangel.

Maria readily accepted her destiny. And exactly nine months later, the baby Jesus was born.

Traditions of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The clergy begin an all-night vigil on the eve of the holiday, and a solemn service is held in the morning. In many temples and churches, the tradition of releasing white doves into the sky has been preserved — a symbol of the Holy Spirit and freedom of the soul. Every year in Moscow, the patriarch of the Annunciation Cathedral releases a flock of birds into the sky in front of hundreds of parishioners.

Happy Annunciation: beautiful postcards and pictures

In addition, it is believed that at the Annunciation the Lord blesses the land and the harvest, so they bring seeds to the church to consecrate them for sowing.

What can I eat at the Annunciation

Great Lent is still going on on the day of the holiday, however, on the occasion of the celebration, indulgences are allowed — fish dishes and a little wine can be served on the table. The traditional dish for the Annunciation is prosphora loaves, which are usually consecrated in the church, like Easter cakes and eggs.

Stricter restrictions occur in years when Easter falls on early dates and the Annunciation falls on Holy Week. In such cases, fish and pastries are excluded from the diet.

What not to do on the feast of the Annunciation

It is better to postpone heavy physical work, including housework, on the day of the holiday. Even sewing and needlework are prohibited.

It is believed that failures will befall those who slander and deliberately harm others on the date of the bright celebration. The Annunciation is not suitable for new projects and beginnings, it does not bless the church and marriages concluded on the day of the feast.

At the same time, on the day of the celebration, you can make a wish — and the Lord will surely hear and fulfill it.

Earlier, Izvestia shared postcards and congratulations on the Annunciation.