Mary, Mother of God

Hail Mary, Mother of God, Virgin Mother, Morning Star, Vessel of Honor.

Hail Mary, Virgin and Handmaid, Virgin by grace of Him who was born of You without detriment to your virginity. Mother by reason of Him you carried in your arms and suckled with your breast. Handmaid, because of Him who took the form of a slave. The King entered your city, or to put it more clearly, into your womb; and later left as he wished, leaving your gates still closed. You have conceived as a virgin, and have given birth in a divine way.

Hail Mary, most precious jewel of all the earth. Hail Mary, chaste dove. Hail Mary, the lamp always alight, for the Sun of Justice has been born of you. ... Hail Mary, Mother of God, for whom John, yet still in his maternal womb, jumped for joy and adored the luminary of eternal light.

Hail Mary, Mother of God through whom glowed the true light, Jesus Christ Our Lord, of whom the gospel states, I am the light of the world (John 8:12). Hail Mary, Mother of God, through whom shone the light over those who worked in darkness and in the shadow of death: the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light (Isaiah 9:2). And what is the light but Our Lord Jesus Christ, the true light who enlightens every soul born into the world​ (John 1:9).

Hail Mary, Mother of God, through whom came the victor over death and the exterminator of hell. Hail Mary, Mother of God, through whom has been shown the Creator of our first parents and Healer of their fall, the King of the heavenly kingdom. Hail Mary, Mother of God, through whom the beauty of the Resurrection flowered and shone. Hail Mary, Mother of God, through whom John and the Jordan were sanctified and the devil rejected.

... And what more can I say? Because of whom the Only Begotten Son of God, shone the Light on those who worked in darkness and in the shadow of death.... Who among men is capable of uttering the praise which Mary merits, who is worthy of all praise? She is Virgin and Mother. What a marvelous thing. I am filled with awe at this miracle. 

Excerpts from a homily of Cyril of Alexandria