Feast of Conception
April 6, 2022
The festival of the Annunciation which was made to our Holy Mother Virgin Mary, by the honorable Angel Gabriel is celebrated in our Holy Church on April 7. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was conceived according to the testimony of the Holy Gospel, which said, “And in the sixth month, that is to say the sixth month after the conception of Elisabeth, Gabriel was sent from God to a city on the borders of Galilee, the name of which was Nazareth, to a virgin who was betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph and from the house of David. The name of this virgin was Mary.”
When the Saint Gabriel came to her he said, “Rejoice, O full of grace, God is with you” she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then, he said to her, “Fear not, O Mary, for you have found grace with God. You shall conceive and bear a son. His Name shall be called ‘Jesus.’ He shall be great and shall be called the ‘Son of the Highest.’ The Lord God shall give Him the throne of His father David. He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever and to His kingdom there shall be no end.”
Saint Mary answered and said to him, “How can I conceive, since I have never known man?” The Angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” Then he gave her the sign of the truth of his Annunciation. He then said, “Behold, Elisabeth, your kinswoman, who was called barren, has conceived in her maturity, and in old age; for nothing is impossible with God.” Saint Mary forthwith answered and said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” Saint Gabriel then departed from her. Let Him deal with me even as you have said to me.” (Luke 1:28-38)
When she had received this Divine conception, there came down the Son, One Person, the Word of God, Who is One in Three Persons, Who exist for ever, and dwelt in the womb of the holy Virgin Mary; how this dwelling was effected the children of men cannot know. Straightway He received from her perfect incarnation. His Godhead was with His Incarnation, One [Being], inseparable, distinct and unchangeable. This day is the first of all festivals for it is the beginning of the salvation of the world.
May God grant us Mercy upon on us by this Holiday, Amen!
Source: The Ethiopian Synxarium page 430-431