This icon depicts the Archangel Gabriel and the Theotokos as the Angel of God appeared to the Virgin Mary to announce the birth of Christ.
St. Nicholas Cabasilas says, "The Incarnation was not only the work of the Father, of His Power and His Spirit: it was also the work of the will and the faith of the Virgin." In the words of another holy hierarch, "All creation held its breath, wondering what her answer would be." The Virgin was taken by surprise and was quite afraid, but answered simply, "Behold the handmaiden of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." When God elected to become man, He desired to do so with the willing agreement of her whom He chose as His mother. The Virgin was a willing participant in God's grace for mankind. She played an active and positive role in God's plan of salvation. The blue thread that she is holding represents that it was she who wove the veil in the Temple that later was miraculously rent from top to bottom at the death of her Son. Her acceptance of God's will is depicted in this icon by her upraised and open hand.
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