Beloved brothers and sisters, in one of the religious chants it is said “No tongue knows how to praise you as you deserve, and even the brightest minds are clouded when they sing to thee, Theotokos. But, being kind as you are, receive our faith: as you know our heavenly zeal; for you are the shelter of Christians and we praise thee!” (Irmos of 9th Ode of first Canon of Theophany).

And, actually, what praise can we bring with our weak and sinful lips to the most honourable of all creations, praised more than angels and archangels, the most holy Theotokos, who became worthy to be the Mother of the Most High God, and the Guardian of all Christian people? However, in order to be good Christians, we need to praise incessantly (and do in the same time the will of God!) the mediatrix of our salvation.

(Translation from Arhimandrit Chiril Pavlov, Lauda Maicii Domnului, Editura Egumenița, Galați, 2012, p. 32)