Hail, O Favored One A Joyous Feast! Scripture Readings Big news usually requires us to make a decision. How we respond to that news to be read on the feast of the determines the path we take in life. Annunciation of the Theotokos March 25 That’s what happens on the feast of the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel, Epistle: Hebrews 2:11-18 announces to the Virgin Mary she is going to give birth to a baby — the Son of God. Gospel: Luke 1:24-38 C What would you do if... Someone says you’ll have the lead in the school play? Or, be the captain of the team? C The Festal Hymns Or, you’re going to be a big brother or sister? to be sung on the feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos How would you feel – Shocked? Amazed? Doubtful? March 25 Would you immediately believe the news? Troparion/Apolytikion — Tone 4 Now imagine if a messenger from God came to you saying: “God has sent me. You Today is the beginning of our will become pregnant by the Holy Spirit, have a baby, and you’ll name him Jesus.” salvation, the revelation of the eternal mystery! Um, what? Whoa! Like Mary, you’d probably be stunned. That isn’t just any news. The Son of God becomes the Son of Disbelief vs Doubt the Virgin as Gabriel announces the So the Virgin asks, “How shall this be, since I have no husband?” Mary probably had coming of Grace. some trouble believing what she heard. She wanted to make sure the news is true, Together with him let us cry to the setting her mind at ease. Theotokos: “Hail, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with You!” The Angel Gabriel confirmed this was indeed a message from God. Saying “yes” Kontakion — Tone 8 In faith, Mary then accepted the words of the angel. “Let it be to me according to your O Victorious Leader of Triumphant word.” Isn’t her response amazing? Her faith can be an inspiration for us. Hosts! Whether it’s big news or our daily routines, we can be faithful to God in offering our We, your servants, delivered from prayers and thanksgiving for His blessings in our life. evil, sing our grateful thanks to you, O Theotokos! Letting God direct our steps through life won’t always be easy. Accepting the path God As you possess invincible might, set sets before us requires faith and patience in following Him. When we have doubts, we us free from every calamity so that can, and should, pray to the Virgin Mary, since she understands what it’s like to have we may sing: “Hail, O unwedded doubts and how God can work in our lives for our salvation. Bride!”
Be Like Mary Parents, Church School Teachers & Youth Directors: The Theotokos is our spiritual mother, caring for us, giving us the courage to discern Watch for the C to indicate topics/questions you can use to inspire conversations with youth. Or use what to do, that we follow Her Son’s plan of salvation in our life. When we say “Yes” the corresponding study guide for this resource. to Christ, we can be like the Virgin Mary, allowing God to dwell in us. Icons are often called windows to Heaven, because they show and teach us how historic events and the saints are to be understood in the saving message of Jesus Christ. emanating from within, by their encounter with God. Likewise, each element of an icon has a purpose or meaning. Icons do not portray people like we see them in person or in photos, but instead transfiguring them with the light of Christ, C Let’s take a closer look at the icon for the feast of The Annunciation of the Theotokos. Can you use the word list below to identify who’s who, and what’s what? Who’s Who in the Icon Buildings and Draping Icons portray both ______and ______events. For events recorded in ______, the icon provides a visual description of what took place, showing the ______or setting of the event. The icon of the ______shows the Theotokos seated in her home in ______portrayed by the buildings in the background. ______is used between the buildings to indicate an event which took place ______. Icons use a particular style of perspective leading our ______to the main focal point in the scene: the ______Mary.
Archangel Gabriel Mandorla As a ______from At the ______of the icon God, the Archangel Gabriel is is a half circle ______shown with ______, mandorla, indicating that ______, a ______, ______is present at and a ______. Angels are this event. As the Archangel ______beings, without a ______proclaims to Mary, body, however scripture records God the Holy ______will that angels are seen in bodily come upon her, represented by form by the ______and the beams of ______other holy people. descending from the mandorla, and she will become the Gabriel is shown, not standing still, ______of Jesus Christ, but in ______, reminding the Son of God. The icon teaches us (as with the wings) that us that God is present in the angels are obedient and swift in ______, sending His Son ______God. The ribbons to become man so we can receive in his hair symbolize an angel’s ______. attention to God’s ______. The ______circle or halo, around Gabriel’s head indicates Virgin Mary The Mother of God is seated in his holiness, while his staff her ______and looks reminds us that angels present startled at the appearance of God’s ______while the Archangel Gabriel. She has delivering His messages. dropped her sewing and bows Gabriel’s hand is held up as her ______in respect to a form of greeting, as when the Messenger sent from God. we ______to each Mary shows her ______to other. He proclaims to Mary, the will of God as she says, “Let it be to me according to your ______.” “______, highly favored one!” in respect to her role as the future The Theotokos is shown seated on a ______, as she will become the Mother of God. dwelling place for the Son of God: Jesus, Who is our ______, King, and His ______teaches us that even the angels of God are in awe of the God. Virgin Mary and her worthiness to bear the Son of God as a ______in This ______language is also used to describe the Virgin Mary. The her womb. liturgical texts of the Church proclaim Mary to be the Throne of God, where Christ will dwell, and as His mother, caring for Him. Mary is also described as a ______because she now cares for the people of her nation: all Orthodox ______.
Annunciation Eyes Head Location Obedience Salvation Texts Wings Blue Gabriel Heavenly Lord Power Scripture Throne Word Child God Historical Messenger Queen Serving Top World Christians Gold Home Mother Rejoice Spirit Virgin Disciples Greeting Indoors Motion Ribbons Spiritual Wave Draping Halo Light Nazareth Royal Staff Will Break the Fast...sort of. What happened next? The Annunciation is one of the 12 great feast days of the church year, and is After the Angel Gabriel visited the Virgin always celebrated on March 25. Mary to announce she would give birth The feast nearly always falls during the Great Fast (Great Lent). However, to Jesus Christ, Mary went to visit her because of the festal nature of the Annunciation, our fasting is eased for cousin Elizabeth. one day. Elizabeth was the mother of St. John We still cannot eat meat or dairy, but the the Prophet and Baptist (Jesus’ earthly church encourages us to honor the Virgin cousin). Mary by enjoying a more festive meal, It was during that encounter, when Mary includes wine or oil in the ingredients. foretold every generation – including possibly with fish or a favorite dish which ours – would call her blessed: “For behold, from this time on, all The Archangel Gabriel generations will count me blessed.” On March 26, the day after the feast of the Annunciation, we remember the Lord’s messenger (Luke 1:48) the Archangel Gabriel, who announces the mystery Mary’s words recall the prophecy of of our salvation. Samuel (1 Samuel 2:1-11) in the Old Testament, and are often called Mary’s Gabriel is called the Leader of the Heavenly Hosts of song of praise or the Magnificat, which Angels and is a faithful servant of the Almighty God. is sung at Matins, calling her blessed. He appears throughout scripture, announcing the future Incarnation of the Son of God: including
guidingThe Archangel the Prophet Gabriel Moses is ina writingdedicated the first messenger five books of of theGod, Old obeying Testament. His commands, and caring for children. Holy Archangel Gabriel, watch over our children with faith and love!
Icons of the Mother of God? In our homes, we have photos of family members, relatives, and from trips, or special occasions. We also have icons, probably of the Trinity, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and the saints. We can also have an icon of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, because her role in our lives is vital to us as Orthodox Christians. Like our own mother, the Virgin Mary is there for us in
good times and bad.
20 Salvation 20 Christians 10. Wave 13.
18 Lent 18 Queen 9.
12. Power Power 12. Scriptures tell us she was with Christ during His earthly ministry, and would
17 Theotokos 17 Texts 8. Gold 11.
Leader Royal 7.
10. Will 10. intercede for those in need, like at the Wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11).
15 Victorious Victorious 15 Lord 6. Serving 9.
14 Yes 14 Throne 5.
8. Motion 8. For us, we can pray before her icon or in our hearts when not in front of her 12 Hope 12 Word 4. Disciples 7.
11 Akathist 11 Obedience 3.
6. Heavenly Heavenly 6. she knows our needs and will intercede on 9 Prayer 9 Head 2. Staff 5.
8 Joachim 8 Home 1.
4. Halo 4. our behalf. Virgin Mary Virgin 5 Virgin 5 Ribbons 3.
3g. Lord 3g. Messengers 3 2. Wings 2. icon, asking in confidence that
ACROSS
3f. Angel’s Angel’s 3f. 1. Messenger Messenger 1. During Great Lent we can add this prayer to the Virgin Mary in our daily prayers.
Archangel Gabriel Archangel 3e. Believers 3e. Salvation 9.
3d. Theotokos 3d. Doubt 22
8. World 8. “All of creation rejoices in you, O full of grace, the assembly of angels and 3c. Ark 3c. Gabriel 19 Mother 7. Virgin 10.
3b. Earth 3b. Anna 16 Light 6.
9. Eyes Eyes 9. the race of men. 3a. Heavens 3a. Protection 13 Spirit 5. Indoors 8.
Holy Hail 10 Gabriel 4. Draping 7.
Spiritual Being, Being, Spiritual Faith 7 God 3.
6. Nazareth Nazareth 6. O sanctified temple and spiritual paradise, the glory of virgins, from
Spirit, Angel, Angel, Spirit, Nazareth 6 Blue 2. Annunciation 5.
2. Messenger, Messenger, 2. Courage 4 Top 1. 4. Location Location 4. whom God was incarnate and became a child – our God before the
Mandorla 1. Christmas 1. Intercessor 2 Scripture 3.
TRIVIA TRIVIA 1 Jesus Christ Jesus 1 2. Spiritual Spiritual 2. ages. He made your body into a throne, and your womb He made more
DOWN 16. Child Child 16. Historical 1.
Crossword Draping 23 Incarnation 23 15. Greeting Greeting 15. spacious than the heavens. All of creation rejoices in you, O full of grace.
Buildings and and Buildings 21 Mediator 21
14. Rejoice 14. Glory to you!” DOWN ACROSS 1 The Son of God (and Mary’s son)* 3 Angels are these for God 2 Mary is this for us before God 5 A pure and unwed woman 4 Mary encourages us to have this 8 Mary’s father 6 A city in Galilee 9 Our communication with God, the Virgin Mary, and the 7 Believing in God saints 10 The greeting Gabriel said to Mary 11 A liturgical service offering praises to Mary 13 Mary also provides us with this 12 Mary provides us with this 16 Mary’s mother 14 Mary’s response to the Angel’s message 19 A messenger of God 15 First two words of the festal kontakion * 22 Wondering if the news is true 17 The Mother of God 18 The liturgical season we’re in * = two word answers 20 Christ provides a path to this 21 Mary is also this for us before God Need help? Clues for each answer can be found throughout this document. 23 God became man Theotokos (Thay - oh - toe - koss) Immaculate (I - mahk - u - let) A title for Mary, from the Greek meaning the A title for Mary since she remained a pure Words “Mother” or “Birth-giver” of God, because she virgin after giving birth to Jesus Christ BIG C What do they mean?!?! gave birth to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. without human intercourse. During her Mediatrix or mediator (Me - dee- a- tricks) entire life, she did not sin, and is an example A title for the Virgin Mary, who hears our Archangel (Ark - ain - gel) for us, how to live in purity of life. prayers, and asks God for that which is useful Angels are messengers of God who do his for our salvation. command. Archangels, like Gabriel, are the Joy of All Who Sorrow (Intercessor) the leaders of the heavenly hosts of angels. Another title for the Virgin Mary, reminding Akathist Hymn (Ah-Kah-Thiss-t) us that when we are in need, pain or sorrow, A service during the 5th week of Great Lent Panagia (Pah - nah - gee- ah) we can call to her in prayer, and she will be where we stand, praising the Theotokos for A Greek word meaning “All Holy,” referring there for us, asking God to provide the peace her intercession throughout human history. to the Virgin Mary being the holiest of of all and comfort to endure any suffering. human beings. Gather as Community Attend the divine services for the feast of the Annunciation #1. What feast day takes place 9 months after the Vespers - March 24th Annunciation? The evening service for the feast includes hymns written as a dialogue between the Archangel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary:
“You appeared to me in the form of a man, the undefiled maiden said to the chief of the #2. Circle the words which describe who heavenly hosts: ‘How do you speak to me of things that man cannot do? How shall God dwell the Archangel Gabriel is: within me?’”
“Then the bodiless angel replied: “When God Messenger Follower Ghost so wills, the order of nature is overruled, and what is beyond mankind comes to pass.” Spirit Angel Christian Old Testament scripture readings show how God’s plan of salvation included the Spiritual Being Saint God Virgin Mary: Isaiah 26:21-27:9 Genesis 9:18-10:1 Exodus 3:1-8 Prophet Priest Holy Proverbs 12:23-13:9 Proverbs 8:22-30
Liturgy - March 25th Annunciation is so important that it is the #3. Can you use the words below to reassemble the festal Hymn to only day during Great Lent when the the Theotokos for the feast of the Annunciation? divine liturgy is celebrated on a week day!
Believers Lord Heavens C It’s also nine months before Christmas, so we sing “Today is the beginning of our Ark Theotokos Earth Angel salvation...” because Jesus Christ will be born as a human being, of the Virgin Mary – this is called the Incarnation.
O ______, announce good tidings of great joy;
O ______, praise the glory of God!
Since she is a living ______of God,
Let no profane hand touch the ______.
But let the lips of ______sing to her,
Praising her in joy with the ______’s song:
“Rejoice, O Lady, full of grace, the ______is with you!
© 2021 Orthodox Journeys | All rights reserved. Licensed for parish use. No part of this resource may be reproduced without written permission. | Visit www.orthodoxjourneys.com for more educational handouts and study guides. Mary Encounters an Angel As drawn by:
Today’s feast is a celebration announcing the coming of Jesus Christ as the Son of the Virgin Mary. The archangel Gabriel is a messenger, sent from God to proclaim the Good News to Mary. She wonders what this means, and then accepts the Angel’s greeting saying, “Be it done to me as you say.” The liturgical texts we sing in church for this feast celebrate this dialogue. The texts from the Matins, the daily morning service, expand on the conversation between Mary and Gabriel, teaching us about God’s love for humanity, and Mary’s example of humility. Let’s see how you use these texts to tell the story of the Annunciation in images. Draw how you envision the conversation took place between the Virgin Mary and the Archangel Gabriel. Be sure to include background elements, facing expressions, and other parts of their conversation. When you’re finished, take a photo of your drawing and email it to [email protected] to be featured in our youth art gallery, where we celebrate your talents!
I cry out to you, O Mary, in gladness. Incline your ear and listen to me as I tell you of God's conception O Angel, without seed. help me to For you, Most Pure One, understand the have found favor before meaning of your words! the Lord, such as no How shall what you say other woman has come to pass? Tell me ever found. clearly, How shall I, a Virgin Maid, conceive A Child? And how shall I become the Mother of my Maker? You are amazed, all-blameless Virgin, and the wonder that comes to pass in you is indeed amazing. you alone shall receive in your womb the King of all Who is to become incarnate. It is you who are prefigured by the words and dark sayings of the prophets and by the symbols of the Law!
I cannot understand the meaning of your words! there have been miracles Worked By God. but never has a Virgin borne a Child without k nowing a man!
Divine joy is given to you, O Mother of God!
All creation cries to you, “Rejoice, Bride of God!”
For you alone, pure Virgin, were foreordained to be the Mother of the Son of God!
The descent of the Holy Spirit has purified my soul. it has sanctified my body. it has made me a temple containing God, a divinely adorned Tabernacle, a living Sanctuary, and the pure Mother of Life.
I Sing rejoicinG to God, “All Works of The Lord, bless the LorD!” Color the Annunciation Icon • Can you add color to the icon below? Use your favorite markers, colored pencils, or paints to bring the icon to life! • When you’re finished, take a photo of your drawing and email it to [email protected] to be featured in our youth art gallery, where we celebrate your talents! • Trim the page to the shape of the icon, and place it in your icon corner to celebrate the feast! • On the last day of the feast, March 26, the icon can be removed from your icon corner and placed in a safe place for use next year.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us!