Sermon for the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary – 16 August 2026

Deacon Chris Saccali – St Paul’s Athens

 

May the words on my lips and the meditations of our hearts always be acceptable in thy sight O Lord our Strength and Redeemer.

 

Kali Panayia – a day late but we have moved the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary to today the nearest Sunday like many other churches.

Until I came to Greece 47 years ago I really wasn’t very familiar with the Blessed Virgin Mary and as a cradle Anglican I would say I was even quite cautious. Gradually though, I have relaxed and come fully to appreciate her and not be afeared.

My prayer table at home is full of icons of her often given to me as gifts. One however stands out and it is this one – a bit kitsch wouldn’t you say? I Panagia i tethlimmeni the sad or downcast Virgin Mary. It is rather battered and sad. Let me tell you the story of where and how it was found.

Now some of you know I live in a village 40 kms north east of here. I may not have talked directly about our closest beach before but it is at Varnava paralia and we have been going there some 35 years it is embedded in our hearts. Now if I go on a Saturday, I am there with my breakfast very early before the hordes come down. Often I am alone under the almirikia, the trees that afford shade. This particular morning a few years ago I spotted something on the shoreline and went over to see  what it was. ‘ Rubbish no doubt I thought to myself.’ It was this icon barely wet or splashed. How odd ! No explanation and I had always dreamed of finding an icon !

 

I am fascinated by all the different epithets for Mary and which names and churches celebrate when. I am sure you realised yesterday was a huge Feast Day here. People make pilgrimages to Tinos and other sacred places and faithful Orthodox fast beforehand and some women wear black of mourning.

Couples often dedicate a child to the Virgin Mary and name them after her . My sister in law went to Tzambika monastery in Rhodes after fertility problems- she went on to have four boys- and named her first born Tzambikos a name meaning fiery spark.

I will share with you just a few more of my favourite titles and dedications and then leave you to do your own research . In Naxos the first church to be built was Protgonis dedicated to Mary . I like the idea of Mary the zoni the girdler holding and embracing us all not just Christ. You will have your own favourites for your own reasons no doubt.

Here at St Paul’s we have held a prayer time with women who have suffered baby loss and using resources from Saltwater and Honey we acknowledge the bittersweet pain of motherhood and how Mary encompasses that foretold by Simeon in the Temple at the Presentation and a sword shall pierce your side.  Mary represents all emotions and her story appeals across time to everyone.

Her song the Magnificat glorying and wondering at God is as moving as it is joyful and so is her response . ‘Yes’, she replies, I am to be included in God’s plan- not knowing how or why this will all come about.  Humility embodies Mary not entitlement. Mary gives a voice to the voiceless – often women but also minority groups,  the despised and marginalised. How often are they not heard in church or society and cast aside?

In our lives, who do we see or hear from? Who do we ignore because they make us feel uncomfortable perhaps ?  What do we need to say our own Yes to that which God is inviting us to be part of? And where do we maybe need to curtail or cut back and actually say no to, to refuse because it doesn’t come from God?

 

What is our own song of glory to God and what makes your heart sing? I think it may be unique to us all. One of my homework assignments or projects from my spiritual director quite a while back was to write a letter to Mary Panaghia,  the all holy one.  It is very personal so  I won’t go into details but you might like to do a similar exercise or sing, paint or sew, cook depending on whatever your creative talent and outlet is.

In my experience, Mary encompasses all people and speaks to them in happy or sad circumstances and everything in between. Not for nothing is she called megalohari great joy or happiness even on this day when we record her life and death. She is not to be feared in our Anglican church. Do go and look at the beautiful icon and pause today maybe to light a candle. That is often my first point of call when I arrive at St Paul’s.

Mother has been called one of the most beautiful words in language whatever our own experience as mother or child and the tenderness in the eyes of Mary and posture in many icons reveals this too.

 

Let us listen to the Magnificat in this version by Jan Berry:

My spirit sings in joy and I delight in God my Wisdom, for although I count for little she values and delights in me.

From this moment she calls me beloved and my name is holy.

Her compassion and tenderness reach through the ages, stretching out to topple pride and arrogance.

The powerful are brought low and those on the edges raise their voices.

She showers the poor with generous gifts and the greedy learn what it is to have nothing.

She hears the cries of her people, remembering their pain and their struggle, honouring the bearers of life, and filling the future with promise.

Xponia polla panaghia mazi sas.voieithia mas

AMEN