Honor due the Virgin Bride of God

To express, as is her due, the honor of the Virgin Bride, she did not just act as a mediator for certain chosen races; but - standing between God and every race of men - she made God the Son of man, and men the sons of God.  She alone was shown to be the natural mother of God in a supernatural way; and, by her indescribable child-bearing, she became the Queen of the entire Creation --- in this world and beyond.  St. Gregory Palamas

(Platytera icon--Uncut Mountain Supply)