March 16, 2005
REFLECTIONS OF HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN ALEXIOS
Last week I shared some wonderful customs with you that enable the participants to experience the special spirituality and nature of the Holy Season of Great Lent.

Today I would like to share with you the person that not only protects us the Greek Orthodox Faithful as a nation, but as individuals as well: the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, the Birth-giver, the woman Maria. Christians throughout the ages have cried out to her, and she answered them as she answers us, with her assistance and protection. In Constantinople when the Faithful were in danger, the Virgin Mary protected them again and again. Now in our own day, we pray that she will protect us from the obstacles in our modern society and from evil thoughts. And she answers us with love and compassion.

Our Church has a special service that call us all to be present, the Salutations. The significance of the service comes from the meaning of the word “salutation”, to greet, to honor, to recognize, to call upon. Because we really need her compassion and intercession.

Therefore I urge you to find ways to greet her and attend the Salutations every Friday. Leave the world and its cares and distractions behind, greet her lovingly and ask for her intercession and assistance. It is my fervent prayer that all the Faithful of our Metropolis family will find the time to be there and cry out to her, “Rejoice, 0 Bride unwedded, the world`s salvation!”