Dear brothers and sisters!

I wholeheartedly greet you on the occasion of the Feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos!

The Church calls this day the beginning of our salvation. An event which changed the course of history happened in the quietness of Nazareth: the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary the will of God concerning the birth of the Saviour of the world. And in these glad tidings is where the great mystery of human freedom is revealed. God does not save man without man himself. He does not impose His will by force but waits for a free answer. And when the Most Pure Virgin humbly uttered, 'Be it unto me according to thy word,' heaven was united with earth, and eternity entered human history.

The Annunciation is a feast of trust and humility. It again reminds us: the main thing in life starts when man stops relying only on himself and learns to hear God with all his heart.

Today, we particularly ardently pray to the Most Pure Virgin for peace. We ask for Her Protection and intercession for our Ukraine, for our Holy Church, for everyone who is overwhelmed by tribulations and worries. And we ask for one more thing: for each of us to find the courage in himself to say his small but true 'yes' to God — in faith, in patience, in love and faithfulness.

May the light of the Annunciation dispel the blackness of despair, strengthen hearts, and remind all of us: true life begins where man trusts God.

May the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos be over you and your loved ones.

Happy feast!