Mary the Sign of Created Hope (I)

In the meanwhile just as the Mother of Jesus, glorified in body and soul in heaven, is the image and beginning of the Church, which will be perfected in the world to come, so too does she shine forth on earth, until the day of the Lord comes, as a sign of sure hope and solace to the people of God during their sojourn on earth. It gives great joy and comfort to this holy and general Synod that even among the separated brethren there are some who give due honor to the Mother of our Lord and Saviour, especially among the Orientals, who with devout mind and fervent sentiment give honor to the Mother of God, ever virgin.