This Thursday we remember the feast of the Protection of the Mother of God, the patronal feast of the Eparchy of Van Nuys.

The Mother of God is absolutely essential to Byzantine spirituality. Let's begin a discussion of the ways in which we see this constantly in our liturgical and prayer lives as Eastern Catholics and Orthodox.

Any takers?

monk Maximos, sinner

Thanks brother Maximos for the inspiring topic of conversation.
“Monks are the guardians and privileged witnesses of this heritage. But this treasure is of value to all of us.” His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I

Since Saint Romanos’ feast day also falls on October 1, this Thursday, I’m reminded of the story of the miracle when the Theotokos appeared to him in a dream on Christmas Eve and gave him a scroll to swallow. The next morning we were all blessed with the beautiful Kontakion on the Nativity. This greatest of poets, so closely in touch with our most holy Lady has been the Melodist to our Byzantine spirituality. I believe if one wants reasons to why Eastern Catholics and Orthodox Christians hold the Theotokos as being absolutely essential to their liturgical and prayer lives all they need to do is read Saint Romanos’ Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos for all the answers.
...Rejoice, thou through whom joy shall shine forth. Rejoice, thou through whom the curse shall be blotted out.
Rejoice, thou the Restoration of fallen Adam. Rejoice, thou the Redemption fo 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 thou art the Throne of the King. Rejoice, for thou sustainest the Sustainer of all.
Rejoice, Star that causest the Sun to appear. Rejoice, Womb of the divine Incarnation...

God bless,

Nico

It may be a little early for Christmas hymns (though our local stores aready have their decorations up :-), but since Nico has referred to it, I'll type in that most glorious Kontakion for the Nativity of our Lord in the flesh:

Tone 3
Today the Virgin gives birth to transcendent Essence, and the earth offers a cave to the Inaccesible. The Angels sing His glory with the shepherds; the wise men journey with the star, for there is born for us an infant Child: God eternal.

As is so often the case in our liturgical hymnody, the Mother of God is sung here as the first fruit of all creation, be it heavenly, celestial or earthly. She is the "champion leader" going before all angels and all men, lighting our way to her Son and our God. The star before the Sun.

Most holy Mother of God, save us!
monk Maximos, sinner