MARY THE BIRTHGIVER OF GOD

Posted byFather GeorgePosted inUncategorized

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Our Only True Lord, God, and Savior,

CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

MARY THE BIRTHGIVER OF GOD
By Saint John Maximovitch

"Today the Virgin gives birth to the Maker of all. Eden
offers a cave and a star discloses Christ, the Sun, to
those in darkness. Magi, enlightened by faith, worship
with gifts: shepherds behold the wonder and Angels
sing praises, saying: Glory to God in the highest."
(The Nativity according to the flesh. From the Lity.)

The Orthodox Church teaches about the Mother of God that which Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture have informed concerning Her, and daily it glorifies Her in its temples, asking Her help and defense. "The Church teaches that Christ was truly born of Mary the Ever-Virgin." "It is essential for us to confess that the Holy Ever-Virgin Mary is actually Theotokos (Birth-giver of God), so as not to fall into blasphemy. For those who deny that the Holy Virgin is actually Theotokos are no longer believers, but disciples of the Pharisees and Sadducees" [Saint Ephraim the Syrian, "To John the Monk"].

"The Virgin Mary, having given Herself ENTIRELY up to God, even though She repulsed from Herself every impulse to sin, still felt the weakness of human nature more powerfully than others and ardently desired the coming of the Savior. In Her humility She considered Herself unworthy to be even the servant-girl of the Virgin Who was to give Him birth. So that nothing might distract Her from prayer and heedfulness to Herself, Mary gave to God a vow not to become married, in order to please only Him Her whole life long…

"Mary received the Angelic good-tidings humbly and submissively. "Then the Logos/Word, in a way know to Himself, descended and, as He Himself willed, came and entered into Mary and abode in Her." (Saint Ephraim the Syrian, "Praise of the Mother of God"). "As lightning illuminates what is hidden, so also Christ purifies what is hidden in the nature of things. He purified the Virgin also and then was born, so as to show that where Christ is, there is manifest purity in all its power. He purified the Virgin, having prepared Her by the Holy Spirit, and then the womb, having become pure, conceived Him. He purified the Virgin while She was inviolate; wherefore, having been born, He left Her virgin. I do not say that Mary became immortal, but that being illuminated by grace, She was not disturbed by sinful desires" (Saint Ephraim the Syrian, Homily Against Heretics, 41). "The Light abode in Her, cleansed Her mind, made Her thoughts pure, made chaste Here concerns, sanctified Her virginity" (Saint Ephraim the Syrian, "Mary and Eve")…

"Even though full of grace, She did not yet fully understand in what the service and the greatness of Her Son would consist of… The end of the earthly life of the Most Holy Mother of God was the beginning of Her greatness. "Being adorned with Divine Glory" (Irmos of the Canon of the Dormition), She stands and will stand, both in the day of the Last Judgment and in the future age, at the right hand of the Throne of Her Son. She reigns with Him and has boldness towards Him as His Mother according to the flesh, and as one in spirit with Him, as one who performed the will of God and instructed others (Matthew 5:19). Merciful and full of love, She manifests Her love towards Her Son and God in love for the human race. She intercedes for it before the Merciful One, and going about the earth, She helps men.

"Having experienced all the difficulties of earthly life, the Intercessor of the Christian race sees every tear, hears every groan and entreaty directed to Her. Especially near to Her are those who labor in the battle with the passions and are zealous for a God-pleasing life. But even in worldly cares She is an irreplaceable helper. "Joy of all who sorrow and intercessor for the offended, feeder of the hungry, consolation of travelers, harbor of the storm-tossed, visitation of the sick, protection and intercessor for the infirm, staff of old age, Thou art the Mother of God on High, O Most Pure ONe" [Sticheron of the Service to the Hodegetria).  "The hope and intercession and refuge of Christians,"  "The Mother of God unceasing in prayers" (Kontakion of Dormition), "saving the world by Thine unceasing prayer" (Theotokion of the Third Tone).  "She day and night doth pray for us, and hte scepters of kingdoms are confirmed by Her prayers" (daily Nocturne).


   There is no intellect or words to express the greatness of Her Who was born in the sinful human race but became "MORE HONORABLE THAN THE CHERUBIM AND BEYOND COMPARE MORE GLORIOUS THAN THE SERAPHIM."   "Seeing the grace of the secret mysteries of God made manifest and clearly fulfilled in the Virgin, I rejoice; and I know not how to understand the strange and secret manner whereby the Undefiled has been revealed as alone chosen above all creation, visible and spiritual.  Therefore, wishing to praise Her, I am struck dumb with amazement in both mind and speech.  Yet still dare to proclaim and magnify Her:  She is indeed the Heavenly Tabernacle" (Ikos of the Entry into the Temple).  "Every tongue is at a loss to praise Thee as is due; even a spirit from the world above is filled with dizziness, when it seeks to sing Thy praises, O Theotokos.  But since Thou art good, accept our faith.  Thou knowest well our love inspired by God, for Thou art the Protector of Christians, and we magnify Thee" (Irmos of the 9th Canticle of the Theophany).
   While singing to thy Child, we all praise thee as a Living Temple, O Mother of God.
For the Lord Who holds all things in His hand dwelt in thy womb,
and He sanctified and glorified thee, and taught all to cry to thee:
      Rejoice, Tabernacle of God the Logos/Word!
      Rejoice, saint greater than the Saints!
      Rejoice, Ark made golden by the Spirit!
      Rejoice, inexhaustible treasury of Life!
      Rejoice, precious diadem of pious kings!
      Rejoice, adorable boast of devoted priests!
      Rejoice, unshaken tower of the Church!
      Rejoice, impregnable wall of the Kingdom!
      Rejoice, thou through whom we obtain our victories!
      Rejoice, thou before whom our foes fall prostrate!
      Rejoice, healing of my body!
      Rejoice, salvation of my soul!
      Rejoice, unwedded Bride!
KONTAKION 13
   O All-Praised Mother who didst bear the Logos holiest of all
the Saints, accept this our offering, and deliver us from all
offense, and redeem us from future torment those who cry in
unison to thee: Alleluia. (Thrice)

PRAYER
to our Most Holy Lady
the Mother of God

   My Most Gracious Queen, my hope, Mother of God, shelter
of orphans, and intercessor of travellers, strangers and pilgrims,
joy of those in sorrow, protectress of the wronged, see my 
distress, see my affliction! Help me, for I am helpless.  Feed me, 
for I am a stranger and pilgrim.  Thou knowest my offense;
forgive and resolve it as thou wilt.  For I know no other help but
thee, no other intercessor, no gracious consoler but thee, O
Mother of God, to guard and protect me throughout the ages.
Amen.  [Akathist to our Most Holy Lady, the Mother of God ]

___________
"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"
+ Saint John Chrysostomos

+ + +

With sincere agape in His Divine and Glorious Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+ Father George


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