MARIAN PRAYERS OF SAINT CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA Nr. 2 (Lived A.D. 382-444)

We honour you, O Mary,

Mother of God,

treasure of the universe,

inextinguishable flame,

crown of virginity,

sceptre of the true faith,

indestructible temple,

Tabernacle of the one whom

the world cannot contain,

and Mother and Virgin.

In your virginal womb

you enclosed the immense and

incomprehensible One.

Through you the Trinity is glorified

and the cross is celebrated and adored

everywhere on earth.

Through you the heavens exult with joy,

the angels and archangels are glad,

demons are put to flight,

the demon tempter is cast out of heaven,

and our fallen nature has again

been assumed into heaven.

It is through you that the only-begotten Son of God,

who is the Light,

shone amid the nations

who were seated in darkness and the shadow of death.

What human voice can ever worthily celebrate

the ineffable greatness of Mary?

She is Mother and Virgin

at the same time.

Through her peace has been restored to the world.

What peace?

Our Lord Jesus Christ,

whom Mary has brought forth!