The Annunciation of the Lord
The Annunciation by Philippe de Champaigne Byzantine Liturgy Akathist hymn to the Mother of God (7th century) “Hail, favoured one”An archangel was sent from Heaven to say to the Mother of God: Rejoice! And beholding Thee, O Lord, taking bodily form, he was amazed and with his bodiless voice he stood crying to Her such things as these: Rejoice, Thou through whom joy will shine forth: Rejoice, Thou through whom the curse will cease!Rejoice, recall of fallen Adam: Rejoice, redemption of the tears of Eve! Rejoice, height inaccessible to human thoughts: Rejoice, depth undiscernible even for the eyes of angels! Rejoice, for Thou art the throne of the King: Rejoice, for Thou bearest Him Who beareth all! Rejoice, star that causest the Sun to appear: Rejoice, womb of the Divine Incarnation!Rejoice, Thou through whom creation is renewed: Rejoice, Thou through whom we worship the Creator! Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded! Seeing herself to be chaste, the holy one said boldly to Gabriel: The marvel of t...