Flowers for Maiden Mary
September 9th, 2007 ~ Orthodox perspective
Cleaning out my Orthros book, I came across the hymn for the Nativity of the Theotokos that I liked most from today’s service. I felt like this one summed up the gladness of the feast best. And I tend to think of any hymn to the Theotokos as a bouquet of flowers that you offer, but I’ll add an illustration of some of the wonderful wild sunflowers that are blooming everywhere right now.
O Maiden Mary, who didst give birth to God, the unwedded bride, the whole universe rejoiceth today at thy birth, through which thou didst undo the disgracer of thy parent’s sad barrenness, and the first curse of Eve at birthgiving.
Be renewed, O Adam, and be magnified, O Eve, and ye Prophets exchange glad tidings with the Apostles and the righteous ones; for there is universal joy in the world for angels and men, since today is born the Theotokos from the righteous ones, Joachim and Anna.
– Exaposteilarion, Nativity of the Theotokos
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September 11th, 2007 at 9:39 am
Grace:
This is beautiful. God’s timing is always perfect. I had picked up Frederica’s new book (The Lost Gospel of Mary) and had been reading it before this feast. I feel she does a great job of helping people see the beauty of the Theotokos as well - the beauty that comes from a life brought forth as an answer to prayer, and a life that is lived to fulfill God’s greatest promises. Never have I been so endeared to the Theotokos since reading this book, participating in these services, and then reading your comments on this hymn.
September 11th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Thank you so much. I was just thinking that I’d like to pick up one of Frederica’s books — this one sounds excellent.
September 11th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Beautiful!
I second Nicodemus’ recommendation, while the title is poorly chosen, the book is excellent.