The Annunciation to Zechariah

Also known as: Gabriel's Announcement to Zechariah, The Announcement of the Birth of St. John the Forerunner, The Angel's Appearance to Zechariah, The Announcement of John the Baptist's Birth, The Temple Annunciation

The opening event of Luke's Gospel (Luke 1:5–25): the Archangel Gabriel appears to the priest Zechariah at the altar of incense in the Jerusalem Temple and announces that his aged, barren wife Elizabeth will bear a son — John the Forerunner, who will go before the Lord “in the spirit and power of Elijah.” When Zechariah doubts, Gabriel — “who stands in the presence of God” (Luke 1:19) — declares him unable to speak until the child’s birth, and his silence itself becomes a sign to the people. Orthodox tradition reads Gabriel’s appearance as the renewal of prophecy after the silent centuries and the first announcement of the approaching Incarnation: the same archangel will soon appear to the Virgin. Unlike the Old-Testament theophanies of the Angel of the Lord, this is a named, created messenger, so no question of a divine manifestation arises.