Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth

After a long flight, adventurous tour bus ride, arriving at our Kibbutz Haon Guest house, sampling amazing Israeli food, and a good night’s sleep, we set out on our first day of touring.  How exciting to step out onto the streets of modern day Nazareth!  Our first stop was the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation.  According to Greek Orthodox tradition, this is where Mary’s annunciation took place as written in Luke 1:26-38

^“26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, ²⁷ to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”^a]

²⁹ But when she saw him,^b] she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. ³⁰ Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹ And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. ³² He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. ³³ And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

³⁴ Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

³⁵ And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. ³⁶ Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. ³⁷ For with God nothing will be impossible.”

³⁸ Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” NKJV

We entered from a small door on the west side of the church.  There was a service going on at the time so our group took turns going in in small groups.  There was space to walk around to the back. 

The church is gorgeous!  Likely first established in Byzantine-era, it was rebuilt during the time of the Crusades, and again in the 18th century.

The church is located over an underground spring, which according to Eastern Orthodox tradition is where Mary was drawing water at the time of the Annunciation.  In the photo where the two men are looking is the spring and running water can be seen. 

Though we can’t be sure that this is THE place it had to have happened at the very least near this site in the area.  I just have to say, “Wow” again.  My mind was blown.