On this day, Orthodox Christians also commemorate the role of the Virgin Mary in the salvation of humanity, as she willingly accepted the will of God and became the vessel through which Christ entered the world. Special hymns and prayers are sung in honor of the Theotokos, acknowledging her unique and central role in the divine plan of salvation.
Orthodox Christians also fast on the eve of the Feast of the Annunciation, abstaining from meat, dairy, and oil. This fast is a way of preparing spiritually and physically for the celebration of the Feast, and it is a time of prayer, reflection, and anticipation of the joyous event of the Annunciation.
May the Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos be a time of spiritual renewal and reflection for all Orthodox Christians, as we remember and celebrate the profound mystery of the Incarnation and the willing obedience of the Virgin Mary to the will of God.
At the Divine Liturgy, the readings are Hebrews 2:11-18 and Luke 1:24-38.
The Feast of the Annunciation in the Greek Orthodox Church is not only a religious celebration but also a day of national significance for the people of Greece and those of Greek descent worldwide. On March 25, 1821, Greece declared its independence and began a revolution against the Ottoman rule that had lasted for four centuries. This day is commemorated with services, festivities, parades, and official proclamations in honor of Greek Independence Day.
Source: GOARCH