“But the angel

Said to him.

‘Do not be afraid!

Zechariah!’”

 

εἶπεν δὲ πρὸς αὐτὸν ὁ ἄγγελος Μὴ φοβοῦ, Ζαχαρία,

 

Luke then has this oracle of the angel of God, almost like a theophany.  Zechariah got a direct message from God, via this angel.  First, the angel told Zechariah (εἶπεν δὲ πρὸς αὐτὸν ὁ ἄγγελος) not to be afraid (Μὴ φοβοῦ, Ζαχαρία).  That was easier said than done.  This was an attempt to set Zechariah at ease.