ANNUNCIATION. This word, like many others, has obtained a particular signification in theological writings. As a general term, it ex presses the communication of important intelligence by chosen messengers of Heaven ; but it became, at an early period of Christianity, restricted to the announcement of the blessed Virgin's miraculous conception. The first formal mention that we meet with of its being commemorated among the festivals of the church, is in the decrees of the Council of Trtdlo, convened at the close of the seventh century.
ANNAS ("Avvas, 'Avavos of Josephus), Luke Hi. 2 ; John xviii. 13. After having held the office of High Priest for 15 years, he was deposed by Valerius Gratus, the Procurator of A. D. 23 ; and in quick succession his place was filled by Ishmael, by Eleazar the son of Annas, by Simon and by Joseph Caiaphas, son-in-law of Annas, A. D. 26. The reason why Annas and Caiaphas
are mentioned together as High Priests, and not Ishmael or Eleazar or Simon is, probably, that Annas for his long service was regarded by the Jews as High Priest, jure divine, while Caiaphas was the pontiff recognized by the government. Hence when Jesus was apprehended, John xviii. 3, the Jews led him to Annas first, but as he had no official authority, it was necessary for Caiaphas to bring the case before the Roman court. The intervening High Priests appointed by Rome do not appear to have had any authority with the Jewish rulers or people ; hence in a matter related Acts iv. 6, concerning spiritual affairs, Annas is called High Priest by St. Luke, though Caiaphas was still the officer of the Roman government. [CATAPHAS.]—J. K.