St. Ephraim: Prayer the the Mother of God.

“But, O Virgin lady, immaculate Mother of God, my lady most glorious, most gracious, higher than heaven, much purer than the sun’s splendor, rays or light…budding staff of Aaron, you appeared as a true staff, and the flower is your Son our true Christ, my God and Maker. You bore God and the Word according to the flesh, preserving your virginity before childbirth, a virgin after childbirth, and we have been reconciled with Christ God your Son.”

~St. Ephraim the Syrian (c. 306 – 373): Prayer to the most holy Mother of God.

Romanian Orthodox Icon of St. Ephraim.