March 25

The Feast of the Annunciation is celebrated annually on March 25th in Western and Eastern Christian traditions. It marks the moment the angel Gabriel announced that Mary would conceive and become the mother of Jesus Christ. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, it is observed with liturgical services, hymns, and a Great Vespers the evening before. Churches are adorned with icons of the Annunciation, and worshippers participate in processions and prayers. The feast highlights themes of faith, humility, and divine grace, underscoring its importance in the liturgical calendar.

March 25th is the anniversary for multiple Christian saints, each honored for their contributions to faith and community. Ælfwold II of Sherborne is remembered for his monastic leadership in 10th-century England, while Barontius and Desiderius are celebrated for their missionary work. Blessed Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas is venerated for founding a religious congregation and serving the poor, and Omelyan Kovch is revered for his martyrdom and heroic aid to persecuted Jews. The Good Thief, Dismas, symbolizes redemption, and Humbert of Maroilles is honored as an early abbot in France. Quirinus of Tegernsee is celebrated for his evangelizing mission in Bavaria. Liturgical services, prayer vigils, and community gatherings mark the day in various denominations.

For followers of Rastafari, Empress Menen Asfaw is revered as the consort of Emperor Haile Selassie and a symbol of divine womanhood. Her birthday on March 25th is celebrated with prayers, drumming, and communal gatherings that honor her leadership and spiritual legacy. Ceremonies include readings about her life and contributions to social welfare, reflecting Rastafarian teachings on compassion and unity. Cultural events feature reggae music, Ethiopian cuisine, and discussions on her impact. The observance reinforces connections to Ethiopian heritage and devotion to principles of peace and justice embodied by the Empress.

One of the most significant celebrations in the Christian liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Annunciation commemorates the moment the Word became flesh. Churches around the world hold special masses, processions, and devotional prayers focusing on themes of faith, obedience, and hope. Iconography and hymns for the day often depict Mary’s humble acceptance of her role in salvation history. In Eastern traditions, this feast may combine with other liturgical commemorations, while Western churches celebrate with art, music, and festive gatherings. Many believers honor the day by reflecting on personal callings and acts of service in daily life.

The Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar for March 25th centers on the Feast of the Annunciation, celebrating the incarnation of Christ. Depending on the year, this date may coincide with Great Lent, blending penitential practices with joyful proclamation. Parishes observe the day with ornate divine liturgies, veneration of icons, and special hymns. Additional commemorations may include regional saints and martyrs, reflecting the Church’s rich tapestry of spiritual heritage. The liturgy’s themes underscore the mystery of salvation and inspire believers to embrace divine grace in their own lives.

Ælfwold II served as Bishop of Sherborne in Anglo-Saxon England, guiding his flock with a commitment to learning and faith. Though historical records about his tenure are limited, he was revered for his pastoral care and dedication to monastic life. Over time, local traditions revered him as a model of episcopal devotion. On March 25th, communities reflecting on Ælfwold’s example may hold special prayers or readings highlighting the virtues of humility and service. His feast day invites the faithful to explore the rich heritage of the early English Church.

Barontius and Desiderius are early Christian figures venerated for their steadfast commitment to the faith despite historical obscurity. Their joint commemoration on March 25th highlights the bond of spiritual companionship and shared devotion. While few details survive about their lives, liturgical traditions honor their memory through prayers and hymns that celebrate perseverance in belief. Churches observing their feast may include special intercessions asking for courage and unity among the faithful. This observance serves as a reminder of the many saints whose quiet witness still inspires Christian communities today.

Born in the mid-19th century, Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas co-founded the Sisters of the Holy Rosary in Jerusalem to educate girls and support marginalized communities under Ottoman rule. Beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009, she became the first Palestinian woman to receive this recognition, celebrated for her compassion and unwavering faith. The feast on March 25th invites reflection on her mission of interfaith dialogue, education, and solidarity with the poor. Pilgrimages to her tomb in the Gethsemane Convent often accompany liturgies and communal prayers. Her legacy continues to inspire women’s leadership and service in the Church.

Father Omelyan Kovch served in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and used his position to shelter Jews during the Holocaust, earning the title ‘Oskar Schindler of Galicia.’ Arrested by the Nazis in 1943, he was sent to Majdanek and then Mauthausen concentration camps, where he continued ministry until his death in 1944. Beatified in 2001 by Pope John Paul II, his feast day on March 25th honors his fearless advocacy for human dignity and interfaith solidarity. Celebrations typically include liturgies that recount his heroic witness and prayers for peace and justice. His life remains a powerful testament to moral courage in the face of oppression.

Dismas is the penitent criminal who, according to Christian tradition, was crucified beside Jesus and asked to be remembered when Christ entered his kingdom. His words and Christ’s promise – ‘Today you will be with me in paradise’ – have inspired believers to trust in divine mercy even at life’s end. His feast day on March 25th offers a solemn reflection during the Lenten season on themes of forgiveness, grace, and redemption. Churches observing his commemoration hold stations of the cross, special prayers, and readings that highlight the transformative power of genuine repentance. Dismas’s story encourages hope for all who seek forgiveness.

Humbert of Maroilles is remembered for founding the Abbey of Maroilles in the 7th century, which became a center of spiritual life and learning in the Frankish territories. His missionary work fostered the spread of Benedictine monasticism, and his leadership inspired generations of monks and laypeople alike. The abbey’s libraries and scriptoria flourished under his guidance, preserving important manuscripts of the early medieval period. On March 25th, pilgrimages to the site and liturgical services honor his legacy of faith, scholarship, and community building. Visitors are invited to explore the abbey’s historic architecture and reflect on the enduring impact of monastic tradition.

Saint Quirinus is known through the relics enshrined at Tegernsee Abbey, a Benedictine monastery nestled in the Bavarian Alps. While details of his life remain obscure, his cult grew around the miraculous reputation of his relics, attracting pilgrims from across the region. The abbey became a spiritual hub, and the veneration of Quirinus blended local folklore with Christian devotion. On March 25th, local liturgies and processions honor his memory, celebrating the enduring power of miracles and the role of monastic communities in preserving faith traditions. Visitors often light candles at his shrine and participate in communal prayers for intercession.