Orthodox America
Behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. (Luke 1:48)
Mary's life should be for you a pictorial image of virginity. Her life is like a mirror reflecting the face of chastity and the form of virtue. Therein you may find a model for your own life...showing what to improve, what to imitate, what to hold fast to. St. Ambrose of Milan (+397)
Was there ever anyone of any
breeding who dared to speak the name of Holy Mary, and being questioned, did not
immediately add, "the Virgin"? For
by such added names the positive proofs of merit are apparent....And to the Holy Mary,
Virgin is invariably added, for that Holy Woman remains undefiled.
St. Epiphanius of Salamis (+403)
Imagine how resplendently
adorned, what a pure and perfect palace of the Almighty must have been the most holy soul
and the most pure body of the Mother of God, in whose womb God the Word-Godhead, soul and
body-came to dwell! Imagine how eternal,
infinite, unchangeable is her holiness! Imagine of what reverence she is worthy, how we
should glorify her!
St. John of Kronstadt (+1908)