Explanation of the Canon for the Feast of the Annunciation; Canticle 1

Introduction to the Commentary and Explanation of the Canon for the Feast of the Annunciation

The Feast of the Annunciation is one of the most significant celebrations in the Christian liturgical calendar, especially within the Eastern Orthodox Church. It commemorates the moment when the Angel Gabriel appeared to the Theotokos (the Virgin Mary) to announce that she would conceive and bear the Son of God, Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. This event marks the intersection of divine prophecy with human history, the moment when God, in His boundless grace, chose to enter the world as a child through the willing consent of the Virgin Mary.

The Canon of the Annunciation is a central liturgical text sung during the Matins service on the Feast of the Annunciation, and its theological depth illuminates the mystery of the Incarnation. The hymns of this Canon blend sacred scripture, patristic commentary, and ancient hymnographic traditions to convey the profound significance of the event. It does not merely recount a historical occurrence; rather, it reflects theologically on the divine and human dimensions of the Annunciation, exploring the mystery of the Word made flesh and the role of the Theotokos in salvation history.

The hymns of the Canon use a rich combination of biblical imagery, typology, and liturgical symbolism to interpret the Annunciation within the broader context of God's plan of salvation. Each of the nine canticles of the Canon serves as a dialogue between the angel, the Virgin, and the faithful, presenting the mystery of the Incarnation as a moment of joy, fear, wonder, and acceptance. The dialogue format of the Canon mirrors the dialogue between the Angel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary, highlighting her unwavering faith and submission to God’s will.

This commentary seeks to unpack the theological and poetic richness of the Annunciation Canon, drawing connections between the liturgical texts, scriptural foundations, and extrabiblical sources (such as the Protoevangelium of James). It will explore the symbolism and theological depth contained in the hymns and explain how they draw upon both Old Testament types and New Testament revelations, illuminating the mystery of the Incarnation and the role of the Theotokos in God’s redemptive plan. Through this exploration, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the Annunciation as not only a historical event but also as a theological cornerstone that shapes the Christian understanding of salvation.

From The Festal Menaion translated by Mother Mary and Archimandrite Kallistos Ware (Faber and Faber: 1984)

Tone Four

Canticle One

(Irmos) I shall open my mouth and the Spirit will inspire it, and I shall utter the words of my song to the Queen and Mother: I shall be seen radiantly keeping feast and joyfully praising her conceiving.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Let thy forefather David sing to thee, O Lady, striking upon the harp of the Spirit: ‘Hearken, O Daughter,[1] to the voice of the Angel, for he discloses to thee joy past telling.’

The Angel

In gladness I cry to thee: incline thee ear and give heed unto me, as I tell thee of God’s conception without seed. For thou, O Most Pure, hast found grace before the Lord such as no other woman ever found.

The Theotokos

O Angel, help me to understand the meaning of thy words. How shall what thou sayest come to pass? Tell me clearly, how shall I conceive, who am a virgin maid? And how shall I become the Mother of my Maker?

The Angel

Thou dost think, so it seems, that I utter words deceitfully; and I rejoice to see thy prudence. But take courage, O Lady: for when God wills, strange wonders are easily accomplished.

(Katavasia) I shall open my mouth …

Explanation

This canticle, taken from the Annunciation Canon, is deeply theological and liturgical, reflecting the mystery of the Incarnation of Christ through the Theotokos (Mother of God). The passage presents a dialogue between the Archangel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary, recounting the moment when she learns of her divine calling to bear the Son of God. Here are its theological themes:

1. Divine Inspiration and Prophecy

The Irmos (opening verse) expresses that the speaker (the hymnographer) is inspired by the Holy Spirit to sing praises to the Theotokos. This echoes the biblical tradition where divine revelation comes through the Spirit (cf. Luke 1:41, when Elizabeth is filled with the Spirit upon Mary's visit). The act of singing is itself a participation in the joy of the Annunciation.

2. Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy

The second verse references King David, the ancestor of Christ, who is portrayed as "striking upon the harp of the Spirit." This recalls Psalm 44:10 (LXX): “Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear.” The Angel's message to Mary fulfills the prophetic anticipation of the Messiah’s coming through the lineage of David.

3. The Mystery of the Incarnation

The dialogue between the Angel and the Theotokos highlights the paradox of the Incarnation—God becoming man while preserving the virginity of His Mother. Mary’s question ("How shall I conceive, who am a virgin maid?") echoes her response in Luke 1:34 ("How can this be, since I do not know a man?"). Her prudence and cautious inquiry reflect her purity and wisdom, contrasting with Eve’s credulity in the Garden of Eden.

4. The Power and Will of God

The Angel reassures Mary that God’s will transcends natural laws: "For when God wills, strange wonders are easily accomplished." This affirms the doctrine of divine omnipotence—God’s ability to bring about the miraculous, including the virginal conception of Christ. This aligns with Luke 1:37: "For nothing will be impossible with God."

5. The Theotokos as the New Eve

Mary’s response shows her humility and willingness to cooperate with God’s plan. Unlike Eve, who doubted God and succumbed to the serpent’s deception, Mary questions with discernment and ultimately accepts God’s will with faith (as she later does in Luke 1:38, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be unto me according to thy word."). In this way, Mary is the New Eve, whose obedience undoes Eve’s disobedience.

Conclusion

This canticle beautifully captures the mystery of the Incarnation, demonstrating:

• The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Christ.

• The divine initiative of salvation.

• The essential role of Mary as the willing and faithful participant in God’s redemptive plan.
  Liturgically, this hymn is sung in Orthodox services on the Feast of the Annunciation (March 25th), inviting the faithful to rejoice in the mystery of salvation unfolding through the Theotokos.