Luke 1:39-49, 56 (Matins Gospel, Theotokos)
- 39
- Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah,
- 40
- and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.
- 41
- And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
- 42
- Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
- 43
- But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
- 44
- For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
- 45
- Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”
- 46
- And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord,
- 47
- and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
- 48
- For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
- 49
- For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.
- 56
- And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.