AND Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
Luke 1:46-49.
Virgin and child depicted in stained glass (19th century) in Wymondham Abbey. © Evelyn Simak (Geograph), licensed for reuse under a Creative Commons licence.
Theotokion.
ALONE among women didst thou bear without seed God in the flesh, and as Virgin do we magnify thee, all generations of men; for the fire of the Godhead dwelt in thee, and thou gavest him suck as an infant who is Creator and Lord. Wherefore the race of men and angels doth give unto thy holy child becoming glory, and we cry with one consent: Intercede with thy son and God, that he grant us, who praise thy glory in becoming hymns, O immaculate Lady, forgiveness for our failings.
At Matins on January 26.
My translation, from Analogion.
