Annunciation of the Theotokos

Annunciation of the Theotokos Feast Day and Greek Name Day

The Annunciation of the Theotokos, known in Greek as Evangelismos, is one of the most important feast days in the Orthodox Christian Church. It commemorates the moment when the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would give birth to Jesus Christ. The feast is celebrated on March 25, and on this day people named Evagelos, Evangelos, Aggelis, Angelis, Eva, Vangelis, Lili, and Lilika celebrate their Greek name day.

What Is the Annunciation of the Theotokos

The Annunciation marks the event described in the Gospel of Luke, when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary and delivered the message that she would conceive and give birth to the Son of God through the Holy Spirit.

Mary’s acceptance of this message is considered a moment of deep faith and humility. Because of this event, she is honored throughout the Christian world as the Theotokos, meaning “Bearer of God.”

One of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church

The Annunciation is one of the Twelve Great Feasts of the Orthodox Christian calendar. The celebration takes place exactly nine months before the Nativity of Christ, symbolizing the moment when the incarnation of Jesus Christ began.

In the Greek Orthodox Church, special liturgies and services are held on this day to commemorate the importance of the event.

Greek Name Day for Evangelos

Because the Annunciation of the Theotokos (Evangelismos) is celebrated on March 25, this date is also the Greek name day for:

EvagelosEvangelosAggelisAngelisEvaVangelisLiliLilika

In Greek culture, celebrating a name day is often just as important as celebrating a birthday. Friends and family commonly offer well wishes, visits, and gatherings to honor the person whose name is being celebrated.

When the Annunciation Is Celebrated

The Annunciation of the Theotokos is celebrated each year on March 25 in the Greek Orthodox Church. The feast commemorates the announcement of Christ’s birth and remains one of the most meaningful celebrations in the Orthodox Christian calendar.