Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Annunciation,” c. 1472–1475. Credit: Public DomainMarch 25 is one of the most important dates of Hellenism throughout the world since it marks both the anniversary of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottomans and the Feast of the Annunciation, a significant celebration in Christianity.
The Feast of the Annunciation marks the visit of the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, during which he told her that she would be the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
More importantly, since it occurs nine months before the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day, the Annunciation marks the actual incarnation of Jesus Christ – the moment that Jesus was conceived and that the Son of God became the son of the Virgin Mary.
The feast day celebrates two things:
- God’s action in entering the human world as Jesus in order to save humanity; and
- Humanity’s acceptance of God’s will in Mary’s freely-given acceptance of the role of being the Mother of God.
March 25 is the name day of all those called Evangelia, Evangelos, Angela, Angelo, Maria, Marie, Maree, Mariah, Mario, Theotokis, Panayiota, Yiota, Panayiotis and other derivatives of “Evangelismos” (Annunciation).
The Greek War of Independence began on the important holy day
“Episode from the Greek War of Independence,” Eugene Delacroix, 1856. Credit: Public Domain