If we say that the seraphim are great, you are greater than them all, for the seraphim cover their faces with their wings (cf. Ps 80:1 99:1), while you hold God in your hands. If we say that the cherubim are great, you are greater than they, for the cherubim carry the throne of God (cf. If I say that the angels and archangels are great –but you are greater than them all, for the angels and archangels serve with trembling the One who dwells in your womb, and they dare not speak in his presence, while you speak to him freely. If I say that heaven is exalted, yet it does not equal you, for it is written: ‘Heaven is my throne’ (ibid.), while you are God’s place of repose. But you carry within you the feet, the head, and the entire body of the perfect God. Should I compare you to the fertile earth and its fruits? You surpass them, for it is written: ‘The earth is my footstool’ (Is 66:1). O Covenant, clothed with purity instead of gold! You are the Ark in which is found the golden vessel containing the true manna, that is, the flesh in which divinity resides. For who is your equal in greatness, O dwelling place of God the Word? To whom among all creatures shall I compare you, O Virgin? You are greater than them all. “O noble Virgin, truly you are greater than any other greatness. 373AD) even in the 4th Century already had a highly exalted image of Mary as Theotokos. Without corruption you gave birth to God the Word. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the seraphim. It is truly right to bless you, O Theotokos,Įver blessed, and most pure, and the Mother of our God. As we celebrate the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, one of the 12 Major Feasts of the Orthodox Church year, we can contemplate who the Virgin Mary is in God’s plan of salvation.
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