Sunday, August 14, 2016

St. John Maximovitch of the intercessions of the Theotokos

The Most-holy Theotokos and Christ (source)
  
Having experienced all the difficulties of earthly life, the Intercessor of the Christian race sees every tear, hears every groan and entreaty directed to Her. Especially near to Her are those who labour in the battle with the passions and are zealous for a God-pleasing life. But even in worldly cares She is an irreplaceable helper. "Joy of all who sorrow, and intercessors for the offended, and feeder of the hungry, consolation of travellers, harbour of the storm-tossed, visitation of the sick, protection and intercessor for the infirm staff of old age, Thou are the Mother of God on high, O Most Pure One" (Sticheron of the Service to the Hodigitria). "The hope and intercession and refuge of Christians", "The Mother of God unceasing in prayers" (Theotokion of the Third Tone). "She day and night doth pray for us and the sceptres of kingdoms are confirmed by Her prayers" (daily Nocturne).
-St. John Maximovitch of Shanghai and San Francisco, "Orthodox Veneration of the Theotokos"
(source)
  
Most-holy Theotokos, save us!

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Do you know where the source for this icon of the Theotokos came from? I have done several reverse image searches on the internet and they all come back to this post in one way or another.