MOSAIC OF THE ANNUNCIATION

Day 330: April 07

Mosaic of the Annunciation of Kiev, St. Sophia Cathedral, Kiev, Ukraine



In the Chronicle of Nestor, the result of older texts made between 1113 and 1118, it is told "where the Russian land draws its origin, who began to rule in Kiev," describing the very foundation of the city, which, according to tradition, the apostle Andrew already prophesied during a mission in close connection with the birth of Russia. The name derives from Kij, an East Slavic prince of the Polian lineage, who with his brothers Šček and Choriv would have started the creation of three settlements along the upper right bank of the Dnieper.

On two columns that support the arch above the altar in St Sophia Cathedral, wonderfully preserved representations of the Annunciation are preserved. On the north column we find the Archangel Gabriel depicted with his face turned towards the Theotokos, announcing the coming of Christ to the Blessed Virgin. He wears a white robe that bears three red, or "soft" stripes. The stripes fall on the shoulders and on both sides, [and he wears] gold cuffs. In his left hand he has a red lily, while his right hand is raised, as if in blessing. Around his head a crown outlined in red. Wear sandals on your feet. On the left, at head level, is the Greek inscription: "Archangel Gabriel."

The Holy Virgin has a long dark purple robe, a similar headdress, edged with a fringe of gold, which is visible below, descending to the left knee, the robe is tied with a narrow red belt. There are gold crosses on the head and shoulders. Its cuffs are gold. In her left hand, which is raised, she holds a roll of red thread, the threads of which extend to her right hand. You have red footwear feet with gold stripes. In most representations, the Holy Virgin is represented standing on a golden stool with dark stripes, which form the cruciform decorations of the entire column.


St Justin Russolillo Writes...

"Come, holy Mary, with a perpetual visitation to our souls, to our work, to fill them of your song of humility and of truth, of adoration and thanksgiving to the Lord for all the good that He does for us in all His works."

(Justin Russolillo, Devotional, Vocationist Editions, Pianura, 2009, p. 123)

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