Elder Joseph the Hesychast on the Theotokos

Panagia "Kardiotissa" ("Lady of Tender Heart"), written by Angelos Akotantos, 16th century (source)

 

Our Panagia hastens everywhere. She bestows her grace abundantly upon anyone who fervently cries out to her. She is a mediatress to Christ for everyone, because she was deemed worthy to give birth to the Lord and to become the Mother of God. She carries Him in Her arms and continuously entreats Him. Since we sinners do not have the boldness to run directly to God from the start, we cry out to His Mother. She regenerates us; she intercedes; she anticipates all our afflictions. She is our protectress and helper, more honorable than all the angels, beyond compare more glorious than the Cherubim and Seraphim, second in rank only to the Holy Trinity. Oh, but she is so good, so sweet, that you want to embrace her at every moment and obtain consoling grace. The more you love, the more you are loved.
-Elder Joseph the Hesychast
"Monastic Wisdom" (Seventy-fourth letter)
(source)

   

Deisis, with St. John the Precious Forerunner and Blessed Elder Joseph the Hesychast entreating the Lord, and His Most-holy Mother, the Theotokos (source)

   

Most-holy Theotokos, save us!