PRAYERS PASS THROUGH MARY

When our hands have touched spices, they give fragrance to all they handle. Let us make our prayers pass through the hands of the Blessed Virgin. She will make them fragrant.

-- St. John Vianney

Deliver our Souls from Death

"The poor man died 

and was carried by the angels 

to Abraham's bosom. 

The rich man also died and was buried; 

and in Hades, being in torment, 

he lifted up his eyes, 

and saw Abraham far off 

and Laz'arus in his bosom ."

Luke 16:22-23

In giving birth you kept your virginity; in your Dormition you did not leave the world, O Mother of God, but were joined to the source of Life. You conceived the living God and, by your prayers, will deliver our souls from death.

-- Byzantine Liturgy, Troparion, Feast of the Dormition, August 15th