Daily Devotion to the Theotokos

 Twenty-ninth Day of the Month

"The angel cried unto her who is full of grace, 'Rejoice, O Pure Virgin, rejoice, for thy Son has risen from the tomb on the third, bestowing resurrection on all the dead'." (Paschal Theotokion)

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What joy must have filled your heart, Most Pure and Spotless Mother, when you learned the truth of your Son's Resurrection. Peace and less, hope and expectation have been bestowed on all mankind by our Savior's victory. But you, O Virgin, experienced not only the triumphal joy of all other humans, but the special joy and happiness of a mother who has received her beloved son back alive.

We feel an added gladness because we rejoice with you in your consolation and, happiness. We know that you share our sorrows with us and weep for us and pray for us, and we are pleased to share your joy in the arising of your Son.

The sorrow and suffering which filled your heart when you beheld your Son on the Cross cruelly tormented for the sake of our sins, has been turned into a joy and jubilation which passes all understanding.

We rejoice with you, O pure Mother, and with all mankind, for the victory which your Son and our God has bestowed on our human race, and together with the angelic hosts, we praise you and glorify your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, singing:

"Shine, Shine, O new Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord has shone upon you. Exult and be glad O Zion, and thou, O Theotokos, be radiant and rejoice in the resurrection of your Son."