Iconography

The Announcement to Mary is one of the oldest themes in Christian iconography. The Virgin is standing in front of the veil of the Temple, symbol of her virginity, because she is the Temple in which the Lord was pleased to dwell, whilst maintaining her virginity. She is pulling out a string (thread) from the basket. According to the tradition, she is weaving the veil of the Temple with the chosen virgins. Her hand gesture is a sign of reception and submission. There is a spring and a water jar near her. She preserves the water of life and gives it to us. Another Syriac tradition places the Announcement near a well. The Archangel Gabriel carries a rod of the pilgrims in his left hand and greets her with his right hand. The Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, is a later tradition in iconography.

Bible

"And the angel came to her and said, 'Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.'... 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." (Lk 1: 28, 30-33)

Liturgy

"Tell us Mary, what did Archangel Gabriel tell you when he was sent to greet you?" Mary answered, "he greeted me and sowed peace in all creatures on the day of his announcement to me. The angels and people proclaim glory to the Lord." (Fengito, Safro of the Announcement, Fshito)