Today, April 7, Orthodox Christians following the old church calendar celebrate the Annunciation, or, as it is also known, Blagovestieneia. The feast commemorates the news brought by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would give birth to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, IPN reports.

According to church canons, the Annunciation is one of the 12 royal feasts and one of the four feasts dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Annunciation is based on the moment when the Holy Archangel Gabriel told the Virgin Mary that she would give birth to the Savior Jesus Christ.

On the great feasts, it is recommended to be united with the holy body and blood of the Savior through communion. Orthodox Christians are expected at Mass, at confession, to live the feast to the full by receiving communion.

On this day, fasting parishioners are allowed to eat oil, wine and fish, as they are on the feast of Palm Sunday, which is marked a week before the Resurrection.

This year, Easter will be celebrated on April 20.