Feast of the Annunciation

The Feast of the Annunciation commemorates the biblical announcement by the Archangel Gabriel to Mary that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus Christ. The account is found in the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke.

The feast focuses on the beginning of the Incarnation and is observed in many Christian traditions. It is commonly celebrated on March 25, exactly nine months before Christmas.

• March 25 — Traditional feast day in the Western and Eastern Christian calendars.
• During Holy Week or Eastertide — In some Western churches, the observance may be transferred when March 25 conflicts with higher-ranking liturgical days.
• March 25 on the Julian calendar — Corresponds to April 7 on the Gregorian calendar in churches that retain the old-style calendar.

The Incarnation — Christians commemorate the moment when Gabriel announced that Mary would conceive Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit, marking the beginning of Christ's earthly life.

Mary's response — The feast also remembers Mary's acceptance of the divine message and her willingness to become the mother of Jesus.

Good tidings — The feast's traditional name in several Eastern Christian languages refers to good news or good tidings, reflecting the announcement of salvation through Christ.

The Annunciation was being commemorated as a Christian feast by late antiquity, with evidence for its celebration appearing by the fourth and fifth centuries. Early observances were closely connected with the mystery of Christ's Incarnation and later developed strong associations with Mary.

The feast became established in both Eastern and Western Christianity, while its liturgical form and emphasis developed differently across traditions. In medieval England it became known as Lady Day and also acquired an important place in the civil calendar.

At home — Families may pray together, read the Annunciation account from Luke, recite Marian prayers, or mark the day with a special meal where local custom permits.

In worship — Churches hold liturgies or services featuring readings, hymns, prayers, and preaching centered on Gabriel's message, Mary, and the Incarnation.

In public — Some places combine religious observance with processions, civic events, or community gatherings. In Greece, the feast coincides with a major national celebration.

The celebration generally begins with preparation for worship, followed by a liturgy or church service commemorating Gabriel's message to Mary. Scripture readings and hymns recount the Annunciation and reflect on the Incarnation. After worship, families and communities may share food, gather socially, or take part in local processions and civic traditions.

Greece — The Annunciation is celebrated alongside Greece's national day, giving March 25 a distinctive combination of religious services, civic ceremonies, parades, and family meals. Fried fish with skordalia is a well-known traditional food for the day.

Lebanon — The date has a broader interfaith and national significance, reflecting the importance of Mary and the Annunciation in Christian tradition and the shared recognition of Mary in Islam.

Western Europe and North America — Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and other churches observe the feast through services, Scripture readings, Marian prayers, and hymns. In English-speaking traditions, the historic name Lady Day is still familiar.

Eastern Christian communities — Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches give the feast a prominent liturgical place, with Divine Liturgy, hymns, and icons of the Annunciation forming important parts of the observance.

• Attending a special church service or Divine Liturgy
• Reading the Annunciation account from the Gospel of Luke
• Singing hymns dedicated to the Annunciation and Mary
• Praying the Angelus or other Marian prayers
• Displaying or venerating Annunciation icons and artworks
• Sharing a festive meal within local fasting customs
• Taking part in processions or community observances where customary

Archangel Gabriel — Represents the divine messenger who brings the announcement to Mary.

Lily — Common in Western Annunciation art and associated with purity and Mary's virginity.

Open book or Scripture — Often shown near Mary and associated with her attentiveness to God's word.

Dove — In many artworks, represents the Holy Spirit through whom the Incarnation takes place.

Annunciation icon — A visual representation of Gabriel and Mary that supports prayer and contemplation.

• The feast is traditionally placed nine months before Christmas.
• The biblical account of the Annunciation appears in Luke 1:26–38.
• The Annunciation is one of the major feasts in Eastern Christian liturgical tradition.
• In England, the feast was historically known as Lady Day and served as a major quarter day.
• In Greece, March 25 combines the Feast of the Annunciation with a major national celebration.
• In churches using the old-style Julian calendar, March 25 falls on April 7 of the Gregorian calendar for the present era.