Description
The great Archangel Gabriel appears to the Virgin Mary with the glad tidings that she will bear a son, the Sun of Righteousness and the Saviour of the world. Since she has already made a vow to God that she will remain in perpetual virginity, as she is truly all-pure as far as humanly possible for those here on earth, she is confused and questions the Archangel what these tiding might mean for her. She asks how this is possible for her to bear a child since, “she knew not a man,” affirming that strong and solemn vow to never know a husband.
What is very interesting to consider, is that the Prophet Zachariah said almost the very same words to the Archangel questioning how this was possible when he was told of the birth of his son, St. John the Baptist. However, his state of heart must have been different, because the Prophet Zachariah was admonished and struck dumb, while the Virgin was given praise. Great are the mysteries of the human heart and mind.
In this modern icon from Athos, the Virgin is holding the wool for spinning in her left hand as she stands to greet St. Gabriel.