Annunciation among Catholics in 2025: the essence of the holiday, when and how it is celebrated

The Annunciation is an important church holiday for all Christians. It is connected with the gospel narrative about the future birth of Jesus Christ, which was announced to the Virgin Mary by the archangel Gabriel. Catholics celebrate this event earlier than Orthodox Christians — at the end of March. Izvestia tells about the essence of the celebration and the reason for the difference in dates.

When is the Annunciation celebrated by Catholics?

The Annunciation has been in church use since the 7th century. Every year, Western Christians celebrate it on March 25th. This date is permanent and remains unchanged from year to year. The day preceding Christmas was chosen for the celebration, which was set much earlier. That is, nine months before the Savior was born.

In the Christian tradition, the time of the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary also falls on the period of the vernal equinox, symbolizing the beginning of a new life. In the Middle Ages, the days of the year were often counted precisely from the Annunciation. In England, for example, this custom persisted until the middle of the 18th century.

In Orthodoxy, the Annunciation is one of the twelve feasts dedicated to the most important events of the earthly life of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ, and is celebrated on April 7. Its full name is the Annunciation of Our Most Holy Lady, Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.

The difference in dates is due to the fact that the Catholic Church adopted the new Gregorian calendar, while the Orthodox adheres to the old Gregorian calendar style. But despite the differences, the celebration is equally important for all Christians.

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The essence and traditions of the Annunciation of the Virgin

In Latin, Annunciation means "good news" or "glad tidings." The account of him is contained in the Gospel of Luke. It says that shortly before the birth of Christ, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and announced that through her the promised Son of God would appear to the world, who would become the Savior of the human race.

The plot of the Annunciation is widely used in icon painting and painting. Traditionally, the paintings depict the Virgin Mary and the winged Gabriel. Usually, the Holy Spirit is also present in the form of a dove or a ray of light, as well as the words with which the archangel greeted the Mother of God. Later they formed the basis of the prayer "Ave Maria" (in Orthodoxy — "Hail Mary").

Church officials often refer to the holiday as the beginning of Holy Celebrations, since it is from this event that the era of Christianity begins, which changed the lives of people in a significant part of the world. In terms of importance, only Christmas and Easter can be compared with it.

Every year on the day of the Annunciation, a Divine Liturgy is held in Catholic churches, which Catholics call Holy Mass. The priests dress in white robes and sing special psalms dedicated to evangelical events.

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Church services in honor of the bright celebration will begin on the evening of April 6.

What can and cannot be done on the Annunciation

Traditionally, believers attend church services in the morning. According to ancient custom, on the same day it is customary to consecrate grain and seeds for a new harvest. Therefore, those who live in rural areas bring seeds with them to the church.

At the same time, it is forbidden to engage in heavy physical work and any other mundane activities. They even try to postpone home cleaning and cooking for another day. On the holiday itself, you should think about your soul and do good things: treat friends, help those in need, and support each other in adversity.

Since the Annunciation almost always falls during Lent, there are strict restrictions on food. But on the feast day, allowances are made for believers. It is allowed to eat fish and some wine.

Earlier, Izvestia told how Catholics celebrate the Nativity of the Virgin.