“The healthy do not need a physician. But that nature, which was weighed down by many diseases, obtained such a great physician that, once healed of its disease, it recovered a state of health even better than when it had been well before. But where now is that hostile and bewildered dragon? Where is that... Continue Reading →
“As you see, Simeon called a "sword" the many thoughts that wounded her breast and reached unto the joints and marrow. The Virgin Mary fell into these thoughts, because she did not yet know about the power of the Resurrection and did not know that it was near. And so, after the Resurrection, the sword... Continue Reading →
"Notice, I pray you, how precise Scripture is. Of Adam, it is said that he was formed, while, in the case of Eve, it does not say that she was formed but rather that she was built up. "He took" -it says- "one of his ribs and built it up into a woman" (Gen 2:21)... Continue Reading →
"Mary gave birth without having relations with a man. As in the beginning, Eve was born from Adam without a carnal relationship, so it happened for Joseph and Mary, his wife. Eve brought to the world the murdering Cain; Mary brought forth the life-giver. One brought into the world him who spilled the blood of... Continue Reading →
"His death on the Cross attests to his birth from the woman. For anyone who dies must have been born as well... Therefore, the human conception of Jesus is demonstrated by his death on the Cross. If anyone denies his birth, the Cross proves him wrong." Ephrem the Syrian: Hymns on Nativity 4, 177; CSCO... Continue Reading →
"Being outside of the flesh, the Word of God took upon himself the holy flesh from the holy Virgin: like a bridegroom, He prepared for Himself that garment which He would weave together with His suffering on the Cross... In this way, he intended to obtain salvation for man, who was perishing" Hippolytus, Christ and Antichrist 4;... Continue Reading →
"If someone believes that he who was crucified under Pontius Pilate was a holy person, who came to bring salvation to the world, but does not believe in his birth of the Virgin Mary and the Holy Spirit, thinking instead that he was born of Joseph and Mary, then this person lacks in indispensable condition... Continue Reading →
"The Son of God was born: I am not ashamed at this, because it is shameful. The Son of God died: and this is believable, because it is absurd. He was buried and rose: this is certain because it is impossible. But how could these statements be true in the case of Christ if He Himself did not truly... Continue Reading →
"Stop your ears, therefore, when anyone speaks to you of anything except Jesus Christ, David's descendent and Mary's Son, who was truly born, and ate, and drank: who was truly persecuted under Pontius Pilate. truly crucified and dies, in the sight of [beings in] heaven and earth and under the earth; who also truly rose... Continue Reading →
Virgin Mary 