Annunciation of the Theotokos (Scene)

The Story Behind This Icon: This icon portrays the Annunciation of the Theotokos, a feast which is celebrated on March 25, exactly nine months before the Nativity. This feast celebrates the day on which the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary to ask her if she wanted to be the mother of God. Mary was selected by God as the most pure woman on the planet, but was not forced to give birth to Christ. She was given the option to decline, but chose to be the mother of God. On that day, the first cells of Christ appeared inside of Mary's womb, but Mary remained a virgin, as no man ever touched her. At the very top part of the icon, the half circle is the Kingdom of God with three rays representing the presence of the Holy Spirit directed to the Virgin Mary. The Archangel Gabriel holds a stick which is the symbol of a messenger. His feet are spread to show the movement of running. On the right side of the icon, the Virgin Mary is seated, but elevated, a sign that as the Mother of God