St. Brigid’s Eve

 St. Brigid’s Eve today in Ireland so an older one in preparation for her feast...

St. Brigid’s Eve 

This night, 

they would hang the cloths 

for birthing and healing

over the thorn branches 

for her blessing,

that as she walked the land 

the divine dew, twice sanctified 

by the dawn and the day both, 

might soak them sacred again 

and enrich them with this vigil’s virtue

for the passing of all pain.

This night,

they would sweep the hearth and house 

and bless the barn and the beasts,

settling the kine as Queens

in the golden hay of gratitude 

for their animal alchemy.

This night, 

they would leave out 

the old gifts of grace, 

the milk and the salt and the bread,

and light the lamp in the window 

with love for her,

their princess, passing in peace.

This night, 

the stranger that knocked 

would be welcomed and warmed,

invited to stretch their feet 

before the fire 

and offer a story to the circle.

This night, 

as the Moon rose over the mountains 

the old songs were sung,

and the women watched and waited

plaiting the rushes and the reeds

into ancient patterns of power.

This night,

as all surrender to sleep

she walks the land lightly,

breathing blessing, 

over barn and beast and babe,

she who fears no dark,

goddess named and God re-born,

by water and fire and blood,

in the Three who are One.

This night,

our ancient Abbess 

and lady of the Light,

of Kildare’s 

Oaken cell,

she whose cloak enfolds

the land she loves

comes by.

For this night,

is Brigid’s

night.

Image by Richard King

Morning Grace

 A practice for every morning...

Morning Grace.

If at all possible,

do not rush 

into the day.

From the moment 

you awake

its busyness 

will want to draw you 

into its complicated chaos.

Instead; pause, 

and then 

step gently into 

the grace of 

the morning.

Whether you wake alone, 

or with others 

who need your 

attention,

it is always possible 

to begin

in gratitude

from the silent sanctuary 

of your breath;

to pray the day 

into being,

just as the sun 

rises slowly,

so can you.

Do what you need 

to do

with awareness, 

with kindness.

Pray.

Yawn.

Stretch.

Wash.

Dress.

Eat.

Drink.

But, 

be aware 

of the

praying,

yawning,

stretching,

washing,

dressing,

eating,

drinking.

Look at the sky.

Notice the weather,

not as good 

or bad,

but as simply, 

weather.

The sun always 

shines 

above the clouds 

anyway.

The Kingdom of God 

is always within

anyway.

Be present to the 

Kingdom within.

Be the presence 

of the Kingdom without.

Smile.

Sing.

Dance.

(Or don't.)

The only thing

you have to do 

is breathe,

and you are 

already 

succeeding 

at that.

Greet your 

breath

as your prayer,

then you will pray

always.

If yesterday is present 

in your mind; 

notice,

ask what it wants 

to teach you 

and then 

return to your 

breath.

If tomorrow 

pulls you onwards; 

notice,

tell it you will 

meet it

when it arrives,

and then 

return

to your 

breath.

Today 

is the place 

you stand,

and the only 

place 

it is truly 

possible 

to be, 

anyway.

So be here, 

now,

choosing 

to be here, 

now.

Touch the earth 

with joy,

Look at every being 

with love.

Smell the coffee.

Smell the roses.

Smell the sweat 

of work,

all will remind you

you are 

alive,

you are 

here

for another day.

If at all possible,

do not rush 

into the day.

Instead, 

let the 

grace 

of the 

morning 

in.

Old Crow

Old Crow

Old Crow in the snow

sits upon the bough.

Old Crow in the snow

Only thinks of now

Winter comes

And Winter goes

And soon will come again

For passing fast 

Are the lives 

Of fragile little men

So in the snow 

The old Crow

Watches from the height

Not for him their to and fro

But only seeking light

With his caw

Will come the thaw

Then spring will fill the lands

And green and bright 

Will be the trees

And warm will be my hands

Then bough will break 

And he will take 

To flight and soar away 

Until the cold 

Returns to hold

Again its frozen sway

But for now 

Upon the bough

Sits the ancient Crow

All robed in black 

He feels no lack

But only falling snow

So I must be 

Just like he

And put my thoughts away

That long for when 

And yearn for then

But never settled lay

So be instead 

By old Crow led

Who sits upon the bough

And feel the snow 

Upon my head

And only think of now

Snowdrops

 Remembering the Snowdrops of Ards today:

Snowdrops

On a 

dank

dark 

January 

day

when the 

rain 

ceased 

only

to give way 

to freezing 

fog,

I was 

sudden stopped

by the

glint beneath

the bare branches

of their

greening.

There 

they were,

the snowdrops,

quiet 

at their

humble 

devotions

in the 

woodland glade.

Veiled in 

purest white,

in bunches 

they stood,

their heads 

bowed 

low

as though 

whispering 

together,

or perhaps 

at 

prayer. 

I was 

the happier 

for seeing 

them

then,

knowing that 

only 

on the 

coldest 

darkest 

days 

had they 

begun 

their journey,

ever

upwards

pushing 

through the 

steel soil 

of 

wintered woods

the earth 

frost-forged 

and hard, 

so

to herald 

a Spring 

as yet 

only 

longed for.

Others 

may sing

of the 

sunshine 

daffodils

and the 

rich joy

of the 

bluebells

yet

to come,

but 

I will

choose

the 

snowdrops

and 

their 

sacred

faith,

that after

every 

Winter

there is

always

and

eventually,

a

Spring.

Nature as Teacher

Nature is a wonderful teacher of the mindful contemplative life. 

The bad weather allows us to rejoice even more in the good and without the storms we would never see the rainbow... 

This beautiful rainbow lasted for 5 minutes and then faded away... it will never come again in this exact way and this gives me two choices... To be sad that it's gone and to cling to the experience or to rejoice I saw it at all and to let it go... if I choose the latter then I simply honour it as gift, I become open to the lesson it teaches and to the next experience.

Whatever you are going through today remember you are going THROUGH it... No experience or emotional state is everlasting in this life...

Joys and Sorrows arise and then depart until they come again... 

You are not your feelings and you are not defined by them unless you cling to them.

Breath by breath... 

Moment by moment...

we learn that in fact we are travelling through this experience towards becoming our real self revealed in the light of Love as Being and not simply just as feeling...

For life is a journey into the mystery of Divine Love... 

Into the mystery of God who IS love...

Horseshoe

Horseshoe

A piece 

of 

iron,

cold upon 

the old

door,

bent 

but 

beckoning

blessing,

made 

of flame 

and earth 

and water 

and breath 

and blacksmith 

sweat.

At its 

heart 

there is 

fire 

still,

and 

remembrance;

struck,

twisted,

hammered,

nailed

in place,

to keep 

the hoof

whole,

a barrier 

between

stone and

stallion;

sparking,

struck

upon 

the 

cobbles.

Would that

we were

all shod

as

secure,

submitting

in stillness 

to the

whispered

word

of the

Soul-smith

so

to keep us 

safe

upon 

our way,

but

we,

errant and 

wild,

resist the

healing

of the 

thrice 

hammered

nails

and 

instead

hang 

horseshoes

upon the 

doorways

praying 

for 

safe 

passage

between

the 

worlds.

Poultice: A Meditation Poem for Healing

 

Poultice

In the times before these times,

when the old ones who still remembered 

saw the signs

that the sickness had turned inwards,

towards the blood, towards the bone,

when they saw the rising heat, the grey pallor, 

the yellowing eye, the listless limb,

they would go to the forest with faith,

and prayerfully pick the cool moss,

the healing herb, collect the soft river earth.

Then, these clever cunning men, 

these wise sharp women, 

would mix the poultice paste

by moon’s silvering, 

by dawn’s turning,

by saint’s praying,

and finding the point of pain

they would anoint the body 

and bandage tight with blessing,

igniting with intention

the banked medicinal fire,

it’s noble warmth now

leaching out the ague

bringing, at last, the wounded one 

to the healing crisis that, 

perhaps at first, looks like 

death’s drawing near,

before the sacred singing moment

where fever breaks and skin erupts 

and pus and poison flow, and drain, 

and light returns to eyes at last

as breath stills, calms, deepens 

and balance comes again,

as first dawn light touches the

roots of the trees 

and brings the golden edge

of Love’s arising

to new life.

Now, 

In this time of times

perhaps we have such need again, 

for a poultice placed 

gently and with kindness upon 

the rounded body of the earth

where too long our self-sickness has

burrowed deep within and brought 

the breaking and the burning

of fever dream, of pain and sorrow

become now a crown of pain,

a pulsing pandemic bound tight 

about our wounded world 

filled with the, 

the pus and poison that would

set our soul cells against each other 

tearing the woven thread of being apart.

So then, hear the ancient remedy, 

ever old and ever new,

and with faith go out to gather the gifts 

of kindness, gentleness, peace 

then bind them 

with the binding cloth of love 

and anoint the broken body 

of the world with blessing 

that after crisis cools this earth, 

the hearts, the souls of all that live

may wake from this fever dream

and see, as only those who

touch death see,

the grace of dawn

the gift of life

the oneness of 

our being.

The Path

 The Path 

To take

the path

is not your

decision.

It will open before 

you

someday

around your

feet,

whether you will

it,

or not,

and then you

will find

that

to follow

the path

is to fall irrevocably 

in love

with everything.

It is to feel 

the jagged edged 

wound 

at the 

heart of all,

while feeling it's inner 

wholeness 

too,

and even it's healing, 

all at once,

in a single infinite 

moment,

between the

in-breath

and the

out-breath

of Divine

Love's 

respiration.

It is to walk deeply 

into the forest,

and the city, 

and to find 

in both, 

solitude enough,

friendship enough,

and to cling 

to 

neither.

It is to become 

the remembering 

mirror

for the faces of 

all we 

meet, 

reflecting back

only the forgotten 

beauty

of their original 

face;

while seeking our own

within.

It is to see:

in the stone, 

the star from which it came;

in the leaf, 

the seed from which it came;

in the water, 

the cloud from which it came;

and in all that is,

the Love from which it came;

and then to 

bow deeply 

before 

this

mystery.

It is to walk at the pace

of the slowest, 

joyfully.

It is to run at the pace

of the fastest, 

joyfully.

It is to dance with both,

joyfully.

It is to choose wonder

over fear.

It is to choose depth

over surface.

It is to choose happiness

over cynicism.

It is to choose love

over hate.

It is to understand that 

these are 

choices,

not feelings

or reactions,

and then

to choose 

them

again,

and

again,

and

again.

It is to break 

one's heart

again,

and

again,

and 

again.

For 

without 

the breaking

how would the holy light

in you

escape

to shine out in the dark?

How would the holy spark

in you be released

to set the world burning

anew?

It is to begin,

always,

in the most sacred place 

there is:

the here

and

the now,

and to dwell there

always,

in the flame 

of the 

burning bush.

It is to dissolve

in your own tears

so

completely,

that only the truly

you

survives.

It is to empty

fully,

so as to

be

filled.

It is to befriend 

the holy dark

of death, 

daily,

until she becomes 

a sister

who will,

smilingly,

at the end 

of the path,

usher 

you 

home

into

Love's

abode.

Minding the Moment: A meditation for the overwhelmed

 For the many feeling overwhelmed...

Minding the Moment

You have only 

to breathe...

That's all.

Breathe in

and out.

The next moment

will follow.

As will the next day.

You are not 

responsible

for the running 

of the

universe.

(Thank God)

Remember this,

as you breathe

in and

out.

All that was

can be left behind.

It was only as good

as the wisdom it gave.

All that is yet to be

is unknown.

It will come,

it will be,

it will pass,

it will leave wisdom,

(If you allow it to),

but for now

it is not here yet.

All that is needed 

now,

absolutely needed

now,

is this

breath,

in

and 

out.

To be;

breathe.

To act nourishingly,

breathe gently.

To pray,

breathe with awareness.

But above all,

just 

breathe.

Build your 

life

from 

the breath

up.

Life can 

only

be lived

one 

sacred breath

at a time.

Then,

as you dwell

in the 

awareness 

of just

this

breath;

slowly,

gently,

you will find

that Love

is breathing

you into

being.

All you have 

to do,

to begin,

now,

this moment,

is

breathe.

Thoughts for the Monday of the first week of Ordinary Time

 Monday thoughts:

There is never 

a room 

that you will enter 

where 

Divine Love 

is not already

present.

There is never 

a conversation 

that you will have 

that 

Divine Silence 

is not already 

a part of.

There is never

a place 

that you will go to 

that 

Divine Providence 

is not already

holding in being.

There is never 

a person 

you will meet 

who is not already 

the temple of

Divine Presence.

There is never 

a wound suffered 

that is not already 

an encounter 

with 

Divine Mercy.

There is never 

a breath 

that is not already

Divine Breath 

breathing in your breath 

the breath of Love.

There is never 

a moment 

that is not already

an experience 

of the Divine Now 

of Grace.

So be at peace...

and simply...

gently...

yield to the awareness 

of Divine Presence 

and know that 

in the yielding 

is 

the awareness 

of Love.

Daffodil Promise

 

Daffodil Promise

Yesterday, 

after a week of chaos and capitols, 

my sister phoned to simply say 

she had seen the first daffodils of the year 

and what hope they had given her.

This morning I went to look for them.

Frost crowned and frayed

I found them.

There they were.

keeping their own company

beneath the brittle thorns,

bright yellow nodding promise of

an as yet months away Spring

And I thought how important,

how deeply important it is,

to pay attention,

to look for signs of hope.

to seek out the green bud on the wintered branch,

the tiny shoot beneath the frost,

the snowdrop in the snow.

To stop and listen long enough 

to hear their seed song telling

that nothing, nothing, nothing,

stops the Spring from coming.

That far beyond the pride of tryrants,

the fall of empires,

the callous cruelty of the crowd,

there is a hope long Eden sown into 

the very essence of it all

shining out in quiet ways around us,

heard in the Robin’s pre-dawn song,

felt in the frost cracked earth,

touched in the kind and outstretched hand,

seen in the first golden crown,

of frosted daffodils.

The Grace of Snow

 This morning brought this remembrance...

The Grace of Snow.

There is much 

of grace about snow.

The way it descends 

in silence,

often, by night, 

always unexpectedly, 

while we who slumber,

lost in dreams, desires 

and shadows are unheeding.

Falling freely upon all,

it brings with it a stillness

that blankets, hushes us

and draws us into wonder,

that first sacrament of childhood,

so easily lost, so longed for, 

so needed in its return.

Enfolding all it converts 

the harsh, the broken, the tired;

smoothing, covering, gentling

both land and heart alike. 

Sharpening senses it reveals 

the blessing of breath,

and invites abandoned play

and careful step 

in equal measure.

We, fickle hearted

rejoice in its 

sudden appearing

then mourn its presence

and, sometimes,

its seeming disappearance,

so often forgetting snow

was sent all along

to melt, mould, dissolve, 

descending to the depths 

to bring renewal of earth,  

by soaking soil and seeding 

with its tingled touch

a new, and even second, Spring.

There is indeed much 

of the mystery of grace 

about snow.

Poem for the Fourth of January

 Poem for the Fourth of January

Four days ago

you resolved to begin again;

and you did.

But so far today has been 

difficult.

Don’t worry.

Here is a secret that may help.

The trees do not know 

that the new year has begun.

Neither does the mountain.

The stones keep their own deep time.

The first of January means little to the stars.

And even though the Moon and Sun offer us the service of marking the days, 

the months, the years; they 

are not foolish enough to count them.

So you see to begin or not 

is your choice in every moment.

The river will continue its journey to the sea whether you plunge in or not.

For today perhaps it is simply 

necessary for you to sit beside it a while 

listening to its song of presence,

just knowing it is always ready for you 

when you are ready to dive in again.

Let the cosmos teach you.

Before and after are always out of reach.

The calendar page is always falling away.

But every moment bears within it 

the possibility of a new year, of a new life, 

of a new you.

For every moment arises from Divine mind and heart, containing within 

the breathing of the Dove,

the fiery heart,

the origin of all.

the very ordering of creation

the healing of all we find broken, 

lost or yearning within.

So hear the call of the moment,

be open as the flower who,

not knowing nor asking 

the time of her coming or going,

breathes deep and 

simply blooms.

The Akathist Hymn to the Most Holy Theotokos

This is truly one of the most beautiful of the ancient texts in blessing and praise of our Holy Mother...

1st of January: 

The Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God, (Theotokos in Greek lit; “The God Bearer”)

The Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos is a very ancient devotion of the Christian East as a meditation on the maternal intercession of the Mother of God and her unique and privileged place in Salvation history.

We keep her feast today with the English translation of the hymn by Fr. Vincent McNabb a noted scholar of the early 20th century, please read it slowly and meditatively and let us place the year ahead in the all compassionate hands and Immaculate Heart of the Mother of God +

The Akathistos to the Most Holy Theotokos:

 

Having secretly received the command, the Archangel hastened into Joseph's abode and spoke to the Holy Virgin. He Who bowed the Heavens with His descending, is wholly contained, yet unchanged in You. And seeing Him taking the likeness of a servant in your womb, I stand in amazement and cry unto you:

Rejoice, O Bride Ever-Virgin [repeated 3 times].  

Kontakion

Unto you, O Theotokos, invincible Champion, your City, in thanksgiving ascribes the victory for the deliverance from sufferings. And having your might unassailable, free us from all dangers, so that we may cry unto you:

Rejoice, O Bride Ever-Virgin.

1

The Archangel was sent from Heaven to cry 'Rejoice!' to the Theotokos. And beholding You, O Lord, taking bodily form, he stood in awe, and with his bodiless voice he cried aloud to her such things as these:

Rejoice, you through whom joy shall shine forth. 

Rejoice, you whom the curse will vanish.

Rejoice, the Restoration of fallen Adam. Rejoice, the Redemption of the tears of Eve.

Rejoice, O Height beyond human logic. Rejoice, O depth invisible even to the eyes of Angels.

Rejoice, for you are the King's throne. Rejoice, you bear Him, Who bears the universe.

Rejoice, O Star revealing the Sun. Rejoice, O Womb of divine Incarnation.

Rejoice, you through whom creation is renewed. Rejoice, you through whom the Creator is born a Babe.

Rejoice, O Bride Ever-Virgin.

2

Beholding herself in purity, the holy one courageously said to Gabriel: Your strange voice seems almost unbelievable to my soul; for how do you speak of birth-giving without seed?

Alleluia.

3

Seeking to know the incomprehensible knowledge, the Virgin cried to him who ministered to her: How many a Son be born from a virginal womb? Tell me! To her he answered in fear, yet crying thus:

Rejoice, O seer of the ineffable Will. 

Rejoice, O surety of those praying in silence.

Rejoice, you the Preface of Christ's miracles. Rejoice, you the Pinnacle of His commandments.

Rejoice, O heavenly Ladder, by which God descended. Rejoice, O Bridge leading those from earth to Heaven.

Rejoice, O Miracle, much marveled of Angels. Rejoice, O trauma, much dirged of demons.

Rejoice, you who ineffably gave birth to the Light. 

Rejoice, you who revealed the mystery to none.

Rejoice, O knowledge superceding the wise. Rejoice, You who enlightens the minds of the faithful.

Rejoice, O Bride Ever-Virgin

4

The power of the Most High then overshadowed the Virgin, that she might conceive; and her fruitful womb He made a fertile meadow for all those desiring to reap salvation, as they chant:

Alleluia.

5

Carrying God in her womb, the Virgin hastened to Elizabeth, whose unborn babe forthwith recognizing Mary's salutation rejoiced, and with leaps as it were with songs, he cried out to the Theotokos:

Rejoice, O branch of the unwithering Vine. Rejoice, O Land yielding the untainted Fruit.

Rejoice, O Husbandry of the merciful Husbandman. Rejoice, O birthgiver to the Planter of our life.

Rejoice, O Field bearing abundant compassion. Rejoice, O Table laden with an abundance of mercies.

Rejoice, for you make the meadow produce contentment. Rejoice, for you prepare a haven for souls.

Rejoice, acceptable Incense of intercession. Rejoice, Oblation for all the world.

Rejoice, Favour of God to mortals. Rejoice, Access of mortals to God.

Rejoice, O Bride Ever-Virgin.

6

Having doubtful thoughts, the righteous Joseph was troubled; for he suspected a secret union as he beheld you unwed, O blameless one; but when he learned of your conception through the Holy Spirit, he cried:

Alleluia.

7

On hearing the Angels praising the incarnate presence of Christ, the shepherds hastened as to a Shepherd, and beholding Him as a spotless Lamb, pastured in Mary's womb, her they hymned, and said:

Rejoice, Mother of the Lamb and Shepherd. Rejoice, Fold of the rational sheep.

Rejoice, O Defense against invisible foes. Rejoice, Opener of the gates of Paradise.

Rejoice, for the things of Heaven rejoice with the earth. 

Rejoice, the things of earth join chorus with the Heavens.

Rejoice, never-silent Voice of the Apostles. Rejoice, never-conquered Courage of the Martyrs.

Rejoice, firm Support of the Faith. Rejoice, shining Token of grace.

Rejoice, you through whom Hades was laid bare. 

Rejoice, you through whom we are clothed with glory.

Rejoice, O Bride Ever-Virgin.

8

Beholding the Godward-pointing Star, the Magi followed it radiance; and holding it as a lantern, they sought through it the mighty King. And having approached the Unreachable, they rejoiced and cried to Him:

Alleluia.

9

The sons of the Chaldees saw in the hands of the Virgin Him Who by His hand fashioned man; and sensing Him as Lord, even though He had taken the form of a servant, they hastened with gifts to do homage, and they cried out to her who is blessed:

Rejoice, Mother of the never-setting Star. Rejoice, Dawn of the mystic Day.

Rejoice, you who has quenched the fiery furnace of error. Rejoice, you who enlightens the initiates of the Trinity.

Rejoice, you who has removed the inhuman tyrant from power. 

Rejoice, you who has shown Christ, the man-befriending Lord.

Rejoice, you who has redeemed us from the pagan religion. 

Rejoice, you who has rescued us from the works of mire.

Rejoice, you who ceased the worship of fire. Rejoice, you who saves us from the flames of passions.

Rejoice, Guide of the faithful to chastity. Rejoice, O Delight of all generations.

Rejoice, O Bride Ever-Virgin.

10

Having become God-bearing heralds, the Magi returned to Babylon. Fulfilling Your prophecy, and having preached You as the Christ to all, they left Herod as a trifler, who knew not how to chant:

Alleluia.

11

Having shed the light of truth in Egypt, You expelled the darkness of falsehood; and unable to bear Your strength, O Saviour, her idols fell; and they that were set free from them cried to the Theotokos:

Rejoice, Uplifting of all. 

Rejoice, Downfall of demons.

Rejoice, you who trampled upon the delusion of error. 

Rejoice, you who censured the deceit of the idols.

Rejoice,Sea which drowned the symbolic Pharoah. 

Rejoice, Rock which refreshed those thirsting for life.

Rejoice, Pillar of fire, guiding those in darkness. 

Rejoice, Protection of the world, more spacious than a cloud.

Rejoice, Nourishment, successor to manna. Rejoice, Minister of holy joy.

Rejoice, Land of promise. 

Rejoice, you from whom flows milk and honey.

Rejoice, O Bride Ever-Virgin.

12

When Symeon was prepared to leave from this age of deception, You were presented to him as a newborn Babe, but he recognized You as perfect God. Wherefore, he marvelled at Your ineffable wisdom, chanting:

Alleluia.

13

New was the Creation which the Creator showed to us His creatures, when He sprang forth from the seedless womb; and He preserved it incorrupt, even as it was, that we, seeing this Miracle, may praise her saying:

Rejoice, Flower of incorruption. 

Rejoice, Crown of self-restraint.

Rejoice, O shining Token of Resurrection. Rejoice, you whom reflects the life of the Angels.

Rejoice, Tree of delectable Fruit that nourishes the faithful. 

Rejoice, well-shaded Tree under which many find shelter.

Rejoice you who bears the Guide of those astray. 

Rejoice, you who gives birth to the Redeemer of captives.

Rejoice, Intercession before the righteous Judge. Rejoice, Forgiveness for many transgressors.

Rejoice, Robe of confidence for those bare of courage. 

Rejoice, Tenderness conquering all desire.

Rejoice, O Bride Ever-Virgin.

14

Seeing a strange childbirth, let us estrange ourselves from the world by transporting our minds to Heaven; to this end the Most High God appeared on earth a lowly man, that He might draw to the heights those who cry out to Him:

Alleluia.

15

The Infinite Word was wholly present with those on earth, yet never absent from those in Heaven; for this was a divine condescension and not a mere change of place; and His birth was from a Virgin chosen of God, who heard such words as these:

Rejoice, Land of the Uncontained God. Rejoice, Gate of the sacred mystery.

Rejoice, doubtful Rumour of the faithless. Rejoice, undoubtful Pride of the faithful.

Rejoice, all-holy Chariot of Him Who is above the Cherubim. Rejoice, most excellent Dwelling-place of Him Who is above the Seraphim.

Rejoice, you who conducts the opposites of unity. 

Rejoice, you who has woven maidenhood into motherhood.

Rejoice, you through whom transgression is annulled. 

Rejoice, you through whom Paradise is open.

Rejoice, Key of the Kingdom of Christ. Rejoice, Hope of eternal blessings.

Rejoice, O Bride Ever-Virgin

16

All angel-kind was amazed by the great deed of Your Incarnation; for they saw the inaccessible God as Man accessible to all, dwelling among is and hearing from all:

Alleluia.

17

Orators most eloquent do we behold mute as fish before you, O Theotokos; for they are at loss to explain how you could remain a virgin and yet give birth. But as for us, marvelling at this mystery, we cry with faith:

Rejoice, Vessel of the Wisdom of God. 

Rejoice, Treasury of His providence.

Rejoice, you who proves the philosophers fools. 

Rejoice, you who proves the logicians illogical.

Rejoice, for the subtle debaters are confounded. 

Rejoice, for the inventors of myths are faded away.

Rejoice, you who breaks the webs of the Athenians. 

Rejoice, you who fills the nets of the Fishermen.

Rejoice, who draws us from the depths of ignorance. 

Rejoice, you who enlightens many with knowledge.

Rejoice, Raft for those who desire to be saved. Rejoice, Haven for those who fare on the sea of life.

Rejoice, O Bride Ever-Virgin.

18

Wishing to save the world, to this end did the Ruler of all come of His own will; and, though as God He is the Shepherd, for us He appeared as a Man like us; for by this likeness He called those of like kind, yet as God He hears:

Alleluia

19

You are a fortress protecting all virgins, O Theotokos and Virgin; for the Master of heaven and earth prepared you, O Immaculate One, and dwelt in your womb, and taught all to cry out to you:

Rejoice, Pillar of virginity. 

Rejoice, Gate of salvation.

Rejoice, Leader of spiritual restoration. Rejoice, Bestower of divine goodness.

Rejoice, for you regenerated those conceived in shame. 

Rejoice, for you gave guidance to the thoughtless.

Rejoice, you who abolished the corrupter of hearts. 

Rejoice, you who gave birth to the Sower of chastity.

Rejoice, bridal Chamber of a seedless marriage. 

Rejoice, you who joined the faithful to the Lord.

Rejoice, fair Nursing-mother of virgins. Rejoice, bridal Escort of holy souls.

Rejoice, O Bride Ever-Virgin.

20

Defeated is every hymn that strives to pay homage to the multitude of Your many compassions; for even should we offer You, O holy King, odes of praise numberless as the sands, we should still have done nothing worthy of what You have given to us who cry to You:

Alleluia.

21

As a brilliant beacon-light shining to those in darkness do we behold the holy Virgin; for she kindles the celestial Light and leads all to divine knowledge; she illuminates our minds with radiance and is honoured by these our cries:

Rejoice, Ray of the spiritual Sun. 

Rejoice, Beam of the innermost Splendour.

Rejoice, Lightning, enlightening our souls. Rejoice, Thunder, striking down the enemy.

Rejoice, for you caused the many-starred Light to dawn. 

Rejoice, for you caused the ever-flowing River to gush forth.

Rejoice, you who depicts the image of the Font of Siloam. 

Rejoice, you who washes away the stain of sin.

Rejoice, Laver purifying conscience. 

Rejoice, Wine-bowl over-filled with joy.

Rejoice, sweet-scented Fragrance of Christ. Rejoice, Life of mystic festival.

Rejoice, O Bride Ever-Virgin

22

Wishing to bestow His grace, He that forgives the ancient debts of all mankind came of His own will to dwell among those who departed from His favour; and tearing up writ of indebtedness, He hears from all:

Alleluia.

23

Whilst praising your Offspring, we all praise you, O Theotokos, as a living temple; for the Lord, Who holds all things in His hand, dwelt in your womb, and He sanctified and glorified you, and taught all to cry to you:

Rejoice, Tabernacle of God the Word. Rejoice, Holy one, holier than the Hollies.

Rejoice, Ark made golden by the Spirit. Rejoice, inexhaustible Treasury of Life.

Rejoice, precious Diadem of godly kings. Rejoice, venerable Boast of faithful priests.

Rejoice, unshakeable Tower of the Church. Rejoice, impregnable fortress of the Kingdom.

Rejoice, you through whom trophies are raised up. 

Rejoice, you whom enemies are cast down.

Rejoice, Healing of my flesh. Rejoice, Salvation of my soul.

Rejoice, O Bride Ever-Virgin.

24

O all-hymned Mother, worthy of all praise, who brought forth the Word, the Holiest of all Saints [Repeated 3times], 

as you receive this our offering, rescue us all from every calamity, and deliver from future torment those who cry with one voice: Who is more

Alleluia.

1st Stanza repeated

The Archangel was sent from Heaven to cry: Rejoice! to the Theotokos. And beholding You, O Lord, taking bodily form, he stood in awe, and with his bodiless voice he cried aloud to her such things as:

Rejoice, you through whom joy shall shine. Rejoice, you the Redemption of the tears of Eve.

Rejoice, Height hard to climb for human thought. 

Rejoice, Depth hard to explore even for the eyes of Angels.

Rejoice, for you are the Throne of the King. Rejoice, for you sustained the Sustainer of all.

Rejoice, Star that causes the Sun to appear. Rejoice, Womb of the divine Incarnation.

Rejoice, you through whom creation is renewed. 

Rejoice, you whom the Creator is born a Babe.

Rejoice, O Bride Ever-Virgin

Kontakion

Unto you, O Theotokos, invincible Champion, your City, in thanksgiving ascribes the victory for the deliverance from sufferings. And having your might unassailable, free us from all dangers, so that we may cry unto you:

Rejoice, O Bride Ever-Virgin.

The 8th Day of Christmas: Solemnity of Mary the Most Holy Mother of God

 The 8th Day of Christmas: 

The Solemnity of Mary the Most Holy Mother of God and the Octave Day of Christmas.

"Maid that wed Divinity,

Clay that shaped Infinity,

Lady of the Trinity,

Keep us in your heart!"

Today we celebrate the mystery of the Divine Motherhood of Mary. Everything Divine that we receive in Christ He willed we would receive through Mary. Everything Human that Christ received He willed to receive from Mary. This day we affirm with the earliest tradition of the Church that Our Lady is truly the Mother of God through the grace of the Incarnation in that she bore the One who is both truly God and truly Man for the redemption of humanity and the healing of the cosmos. We rejoice too that the parting gift of Her Son from the Cross was to entrust us all to her Motherhood! 

She is truly the unburnt yet fiery bush of Moses, 

the holy place where the Most High dwells

the temple of the Lord, 

the true Ark of the Covenant, 

the glory of our race, 

the new Eve, 

the Queen of Heaven 

and the first Tabernacle of the Most High: 

in one of the earliest prayers seeking her intercession we pray:

We fly to thy patronage, 

Holy Mother of God!

Despise not our petitions 

in our necessities;

but deliver us from all dangers

O ever blessed and glorious

Virgin Mary +

.

(Pic is of the traditional Icon of Our Lady as the Burning Bush)