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[[Image:Annunciation.jpg|right|frame|The Annunciation to the Theotokos]]
The '''Annunciation''' (or ''Evangelismos '' in Greek) to the [[Theotokos]] is one of the [[Great Feasts]] of the [[Orthodox Church]], celebrated on [[March 25]]. Greeks also celebrate [[Greek Independence Day]] this day. This is one of only two days during [[Great Lent|Lent]], the other being [[Palm Sunday]], when fish is permitted.
According to the [[Gospel of Luke]] 1:26-38, the [[Archangel Gabriel]] appeared to [[Theotokos|Mary]] to announce to her that she would conceive and bear a son, even though she "knew no man." According to holy tradition Mary had come home to her parents when she was only fifteen when she was visited by Gabriel.
In Arabic traditions, the names ''Bechara'', ''Beshara'', or ''Bashar'' (all of which mean "good news") are used by men for whom this feast is also their name day.
==Celebration of the feast==
The feast of the Annunciation normally falls during the season of [[Great Lent]], but it is still a joyous day. Many brake the lessen their [[fast]] with fish on this day.
If the feast comes on a weekday of Lent, the [[Divine Liturgy]] of the feast is served in the evening with [[Vespers]]. When this happens, the fasting rules for the [[Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts]] are followed. The Divine Liturgy of the Annunciation is the only celebration of the [[Eucharist]]ic liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom allowed on a weekday of Great Lent.
