The Mother of God Is the Greatest Ambassador of Christians, Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Ieronim Says

Basilica Romanian Orthodox News Agency – 17/8/19

The patriarchal auxiliary bishop Ieronim of Sinaia on Wednesday spoke about the role played by the Theotokos in God’s salvific economy, calling the Blessed Virgin Mary ‘the greatest ambassador of Christians’.

Leading the service of the burial of the Theotokos at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest on Aug. 14, Bishop Ieronim noted that Virgin Mary ‘departed from us as a messenger of the Church, being our greatest intercessor before Christ.’

She was lifted up into heaven together with her Son, because the Mother of God participated in the ‘mystery of the Word of God’.

His Grace said that Virgin Mary is ‘the Mother of light and life’, who after falling asleep she was translated to the One Who is light and life.

He also referred to the Dormition Fast, noting that ‘this fasting season was established to honour worthily the one who was the most chosen human being,’ and to help us become contemporary with the moment of her falling asleep.

Ending his sermon, Bishop Ieronim underscored that the Theotokos ‘excelled in virtues, while her most important virtue was humility.’

‘She surpasses all saints in holiness, because she was the purest being who ever lived on earth.’

Photography courtesy of Basilica.ro / Raluca Ene

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