C’Prazdnikom!
Although by God’s will other barren women have brought forth famous offspring, yet, of all those children Mary shines most brightly, as is fitting to God. For she herself was born wondrously of a barren mother and gave birth in the flesh to the God of all, in a manner surpassing nature, from a womb without seed. She is the only gateway of the Only-Begotten Son of God, Who passed through this gate yet kept it closed, and, having ordered all things in His own wisdom, has wrought salvation for all mankind.
As the barren Anna gives birth to Mary (“From a barren root He has made a life-bearing branch”), the hymns of this feast resound with beautiful, poetic imagery referring to Mary as the “bridal chamber of the Light,” the “virgin gate of God,” the “gate that faces the East,” the “book which holds the Word of God,” the “earthly throne,” the “rod of Aaron which budded,” the “holy temple of the Lord,” the “bridal chamber of the King,” the “vessel of the Godhead,” the “treasure of virginity,” and the “earthly heaven which contained the heavens.”
Fr. John
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