Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God. Holy Apostle Ananias, One of the Seventy Disciples. Our Venerable Father Roman Who Sang Sweetly (560).
Feast of the Mother of God. A day when the faithful are highly encouraged to participate in the Divine Liturgy.
Hebrews 9:1-7. Luke 10:38-42. 11:27-28.
Read Hebrews 9:1-7
Happy Feast! The Feast of the Protection of the Theotokos is a profound reminder of the Mother of God’s enduring love and care for us all. It commemorates that miraculous moment when the Virgin Mary appeared in the Blachernae church in Constantinople, spreading her veil over the faithful as a sign of her unwavering protection. In times of uncertainty and turmoil, this image offers comfort, assuring us that we are embraced by her maternal compassion.
Reflecting on this feast, I am drawn to the connection with the mercy seat described in Hebrews 9:5, where the cherubim overshadow the place of atonement. Just as the mercy seat was the focal point of God’s presence and mercy among His people, so too does Mary, in extending her protective mantle, become a living symbol of God’s mercy enveloping us. Her veil represents not only her personal care but also the divine grace that covers and sanctifies us.
This celebration invites us to consider how we can embody the virtues that Mary exemplifies—her humility, obedience, and steadfast faith. By opening ourselves to God’s will as she did, we can become bearers of His peace and mercy in the world. It’s a call to action, encouraging us to extend compassion and protection to those around us, mirroring the Theotokos’s loving care.
As we honor this feast, perhaps we can dedicate ourselves anew to living under Mary’s protection, seeking her guidance and intercession in all aspects of our lives. Let her example inspire us to deepen our faith, strengthen our communities, and become instruments of God’s mercy to others. In embracing her, we draw closer to her Son and step more fully into the people we are called to be.