Theology and Poetry

The Archangel was sent from Heaven to say «Hail» to the Theotokos. And with his Celestial Voice, envisioning You O Lord embodied, he was wonder-rapt and stood crying unto Her:
Hail! To You, through Whom joy shall shine.
Hail! To You, through Whom the curse will vanish.
Hail! The recalling of the fallen Adam.
Hail! The redemtion of Eve’s tears.
Hail! O Height beyond human logic.
Hail! O Depth invisible even to the eyes of Angels.
Hail! That You are the King’s throne.
Hail! That You bear Him, Who bears the Universe.
Hail! O Star revealing the Sun.
Hail! O Womb of Divine Incarnation.
Hail! To You, through Whom Creation is re-made.
Hail! To you, through Whom the Creator is born a Babe.
Hail! O Bride Ever-Virgin.

First Stanza of the Akathist Hymn.