Church of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin in Bolshoye Pokrovskoye
The Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Bolshoy Pokrovsky is located at 11/1 Lesnaya St. The Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on April 7 (according to the new style), occupies a special place in the Christian calendar. It stands exactly nine months from the Birth of Christ, symbolizing the moment of the Incarnation — the conception of Jesus Christ. The Feast of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, celebrated annually on October 14, came to Russia from Byzantium. Although it is not one of the 12 main church holidays, as it is associated with events that occurred after the earthly life of the Mother of God, it occupies an important place in the Orthodox tradition. The full name of the holiday is the Holy Protection of Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos. The holiday includes one day of the feast and one day of the feast, on which the Cathedral of the Archangel Gabriel, who brought the good news to the Virgin Mary, is celebrated. However, if the Annunciation falls on Holy Week or Holy Week, the pre-feast and post-feast are canceled. The name of the holiday — «Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary» — reveals its essence: it is the good news announced to the Virgin Mary by Archangel Gabriel. According to the Gospel of Luke, an angel appeared to Mary with the good news that she would become the Mother of the Savior of the World. Her humble response: «Behold, the Handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to Me according to your word» — became the moment when the fulfillment of the Divine plan for the salvation of mankind began. The celebration’s worship highlights its deep meaning. The chants include the words: «Today is the beginning of our salvation…». The Annunciation becomes the starting point in the history of salvation, which will be followed by the earthly life of Jesus Christ, the «Second Adam» who came to atone for the sins of mankind. This journey will end with the Last Supper, the sufferings of the Cross on Golgotha, the Resurrection, Ascension, and the sitting of the Savior «at the right hand of the Father». The Feast of the Annunciation reminds believers of the great mystery of the Incarnation of God and the humble consent of the Virgin Mary to become a participant in the Divine plan. It also emphasizes the importance of human freedom and willingness to accept the will of God, which makes it one of the brightest and most joyful holidays in the Orthodox tradition.
Address: Bolshoe Pokrovskoe village, Lesnaya St., 11/1
