Explanation of the Canon for the Feast of the Annunciation; Canticle 8

Canticle Eight

(Irmos)[11] The offspring of the Theotokos saved the Holy Children in the furnace. He who was then prefigured has since been born on earth, and He gathers together all the creation to sing: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.

The Angel

‘Hearken, O pure Virgin Maid: let Gabriel tell thee the counsel of the Most High that is ancient and true. Make ready to receive God: for through thee the Incomprehensible comes to dwell with mortal men. Therefore I cry rejoicing: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.’

The Theotokos

‘All mortal thought is overwhelmed,’ answered the Virgin, ‘as it ponders the strange wonders of which thou tellest me. I am filled with joy at thy words, yet am afraid: I fear lest thou deceive me, as Eve was deceived, and lead me far from God. Yet lo, thou criest out: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.’

The Angel

‘See, thy difficulty is resolved’, said Gabriel to this. ‘Thou hast well said that this matter is hard to grasp. Obey, then, the words of thine own lips: doubt not as though it were deceitful, but believe in this thing as very truth. For I cry rejoicing: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.’

The Theotokos

‘Childbirth comes from mutual love: such is the law that God has given to men’, said again she who is without reproach. ‘I know not at all the pleasure of marriage: how then dost thou say that I shall bear child? I fear lest thou speakest in guile. Yet lo, thou criest out: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.’

The Angel

‘O holy Virgin,’ replied the Angel, ‘thou speakest to me of the customary manner whereby mortal men are born. But I tell thee of the birth of the true God. Beyond words and understanding, in way that He alone knows, He shall take flesh of thee. Therefore, I cry rejoicing: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.’

The Theotokos

‘Thou dost appear to me to speak the truth’, answered the Virgin. ‘For thou hast come as an angel messenger, bringing joy to all. Since, then, I am purified in soul and body by the Spirit, be it unto me according to thy word: may God dwell in me. Unto Him I cry aloud with thee: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.’

(Katavasia) ‘Hearken, O pure Virgin Maid …’

Explanation

Canticle Eight of the Canon holds profound theological significance, centering on the mystery of the Incarnation and the role of the Theotokos in God’s plan for salvation. Structurally, it follows the biblical model of the Song of the Three Holy Children (Daniel 3:57-88 LXX), where all of creation is called to bless and glorify the Lord. The canticle employs dialogue between the Archangel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary, dramatizing the Annunciation and the Virgin’s faithful response.

Theological Themes in the Canticle

1. Christ as the Prefigured Savior
   The Irmos references the story of the Three Holy Children in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3), traditionally interpreted as a type of Christ’s saving work. Just as God preserved the three youths in the fire, He now comes in the flesh to save humanity. The phrase “He who was then prefigured has since been born on earth” connects Old Testament typology with its fulfillment in Christ’s Incarnation.
   
   

2. The Divine Mystery of the Incarnation
   The dialogue between Gabriel and the Virgin Mary emphasizes the supernatural nature of Christ’s conception. The Theotokos initially struggles to understand how she, a virgin, can bear a child, demonstrating her humility and rational inquiry. Gabriel reassures her that this is a divine act beyond human comprehension: “Beyond words and understanding, in way that He alone knows, He shall take flesh of thee.” This reinforces the Orthodox teaching that Christ’s birth is a divine mystery that transcends natural law.
   
   

3. Mary as the New Eve
   The Theotokos’ concern about being deceived like Eve reflects her awareness of humanity’s fallen state. Unlike Eve, who was misled by the serpent’s cunning, Mary receives divine truth in faith. Her ultimate response—“Be it unto me according to thy word”—contrasts with Eve’s disobedience, marking her as the New Eve who cooperates with God’s redemptive plan.
   
   

4. The Role of the Holy Spirit
   The canticle highlights the Holy Spirit’s action in sanctifying the Theotokos: “Since, then, I am purified in soul and body by the Spirit, may God dwell in me.” This echoes Luke 1:35, where the angel tells Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” The emphasis on purification underscores that the Incarnation is a divine act that preserves Mary’s virginity while making her the dwelling place of God.
   
   

5. A Cosmic Call to Worship
   Throughout the canticle, Gabriel and the Theotokos join the universal call to worship: “O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.” This refrain emphasizes that the Incarnation is not just a private event but a cosmic reality that invites all creation to glorify God. It reflects the Orthodox view that Christ’s coming renews the entire cosmos.
   
   

Conclusion

Canticle Eight presents the Incarnation as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, a divine mystery that transcends human understanding, and a moment of cosmic significance. The Theotokos’ faith and obedience contrast with Eve’s disobedience, affirming her role as the Mother of God and the New Eve. The canticle invites all creation to bless the Lord, emphasizing that the mystery of the Incarnation is not only for human salvation but for the renewal of all things in Christ.