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"O
Virgin Theotokos, rejoice, O Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art Thou among women, and blessed is the Fruit of Thy womb,
for without corruption thou didst give birth to the Saviour of our
souls."
*
* *
"Rejoice
Mary full of grace," the archangel uttered with awe and astonishment.
What is this strange wonder which has come to pass, Orthodox
people? An archangel appears before a teenage girl, trembling in fear, to
announce that she has been filled with divine grace, a virgin gives birth
and the Saviour of mankind is born as a babe from a mortal woman.
O
the love and mercy of God! Through Mary, He has made us all co-workers
with Him in our own redemption. Truly Mary is blessed not only among
women, but among all mankind. She was the first of our race to have Christ
truly dwelling in her, growing and taking form within her. This took place
in her in a manner which no other human can experience, but all can share.
For, as He took form both physically and spiritually in her, so He will take
form spiritually within each of us if we will only cooperate with Him.
Meditating on this joyous promise, let us cry out to the Theotokos: O
Mother of the man-befriending Saviour, befriend me also, and pray to
Him that my understanding
be enlightened so that I may become His co-worker
in my salvation. Intercede for me, Most Pure Mother, that I may find the path of righteousness, and serve not only for my own
salvation, but for the salvation
of others. Strengthen me, O Virgin, to struggle for purity of mind and
body so that I may inherit the Kingdom of your Son, our God, Jesus Christ, to Whom be all honor, adoration and glory, together with the
eternal father and
the Holy and life-bestowing Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Amen!
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