The Orthodox Church is celebrating Holy Annunciation Day [Khareba]. The holiday depicts the primary annunciation that was made by Archangel Gabriel to Virgin Mary about the birth of Jesus Christ.

While she was reading the Bible, Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and declared that soon she would give birth to a son, who would be named Jesus. It was the annunciation not only for the Virgin Mary but for the whole of mankind.

In connection with the holiday, divine services will be held in all churches, including the Sioni Patriarchal Cathedral, where the festive liturgy will be led by the Patriarchal Locum Tenens, Metropolitan Shio.

The liturgy will begin at 10:00. Following the service, a memorial prayer will be held for the soul of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II.