Church New Year - Lord, I have loved the habitation of Your house, and the place where Your glory dwells. Psalm 26:6-8

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth, all generations will call me blessed.” (Luke 1:46-48)

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will thwart." (1 Cor. 1:18-19)

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;  but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. (Ps. 1:1-2)

Today the faithful celebrate the feast with joy illumined by your coming, O Mother of God.  Beholding your pure image we fervently cry to you:  “Encompass us beneath the precious veil of your protection; deliver us from every form of evil by entreating Christ,  your Son and our God that He may save our souls.”    (Troparion — Tone 4)