IN THE PRESENCE OF THE THEOTOKOS by Saint Dionysios the Areopagite



IN THE PRESENCE OF THE IMMACULATE
HOLY EVER-VIRGIN MOTHER OF GOD

Saint Dionysios the Areopagite

"I witness by God, that besides the very most God Himself,

there is nothing else filled with Divine power and grace.

No one among mankind can fully grasp in mind what I beheld.

I confess before God: when I was with John,

who shone among the Apostles, like the sun in the sky

-- when I was brought before the countenance of the Most Holy Virgin,

I experienced an inexpressible sensation.

Before me gleamed a sort of Divine radiance which transfixed my spirit.

I perceived the fragrance of indescribable aromas and was filled with such delight,

that my very body became faint, and my spirit could barely endure

these signs and marks of eternal majesty and heavenly power.

The grace from her overwhelmed my heart, and shook my very spirit.

If I did not have in mind your instruction,

I should have mistaken Her for the very God.

It is impossible to stand before greater blessedness than this, which I beheld."





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