Vigil of the Assumption

HAIL, Mary, Mother of God, glorious treasury of the whole world, inextinguishable lamp, crown of virginity, scepter of orthodoxy, indissoluble temple, place of Him whom no place can contain, mother and virgin, through whom the Gospels said "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord".

Hail, for thou hast possessed in thy holy virginal womb the infinite and immeasurable one; thou, Mary, through whom the Holy Trinity is glorified and adored; through whom the precious Cross is celebrated and throughout the world adored; through whom the heavens rejoice; through whom the angels and archangels are glad; through whom demons are put to flight; through whom the tempter, the devil, is cast down from heaven; through whom fallen creation is restored to heaven; through whom all struck with the madness of idolatry have come to the knowledge of the truth; through whom holy Baptism is given to believers; through whom the oil of gladness is poured out; through whom the Church is established throughout the world; and through whom the nations are led to repentance.

It was because of thee that the only-begotten Son of God shined forth His light upon those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death; the prophets prophesied; the Apostles preached salvation to the nations; the dead are raised; and kings reign by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Behold all creation rejoices! May we revere and adore this union of God and man in the Son of Mary, and as we tremble at and pay honor to the indivisible Trinity, let us sing the praises of Mary ever Virgin, the holy temple of God, and of God Himself, her Son and spotless Bridegroom, for to Him be glory forever. Amen.

--St. Cyril of Alexandria