Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation

The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Gabriel, also known as the (Greek) Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, is an Eastern Orthodox church in Nazareth. A first church was built in the 5th century during the Byzantine era in 427 AD by Aelia Eudocia, the second wife of Emperor Constantine X.
The church is built on the site, where according to tradition, the annunciation took place, in which angel Gabriel appeared to Virgin Mary and announced that she would give birth to Jesus. It was built at the site of a spring from which Virgin Mary used to draw water. This spring still exists inside the church today. Early Christians used this place for worship and prayer, and both Christians and Muslims have historically regarded its waters as possessing exceptional healing properties.
The church was rebuilt during the time of the Crusades, and its current shape under the rule of Tancred, prince of Galilee. It was later abandoned for years and fell into disrepair. Between 1628 and 1634, the Franciscans controlled the spring and constructed an arched room over it. In 1749, Zahir al-Umar issued a decree granting the local Greek Orthodox community the right to rebuild the church. Since then, it has remained under their control. In 1750, the Greek Orthodox reconstructed the church and named it the “Church of the Annunciation.”
The church is divided into two sections: the central prayer hall from the 18th century and an older section from the 12th century, which is well-preserved and accessible through an interior arched passage. In the basement, there is an elevated platform behind which the spring flows.
The lower floor of the church contains caves dating back to the 1st century, forming part of ancient Nazareth. There is a baptismal basin with early Christian symbols, seven steps representing the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and a mosaic-paved pool with symbols of the six orders of angels. A stone in the middle of the pool symbolizes Christ, and a small channel on the pool’s walls represents the River Jordan.
The Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of the Annunciation on April 7th each year.