Each year on the second Sunday of May we observe Mother’s Day. It is a day for expressing special gratitude and love to our mothers, grandmothers, and the many other women who are a pivotal part of our lives. There are flowers and sumptuous meals, gifts and accolades, but these are just materialistic ways we show our love and appreciation. The real way we can express gratitude to our mothers is by sharing with them the same love, compassion and joy they bring to our lives, not just one day each year, but every day that we are blessed with their presence.

A mother provides the foundation for her family. As women of faith, mothers are teachers to their children. Mothers encourage and inspire. In Saint Paul’s letter to the Galatians he writes, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” These same traits can be used to describe mothers, for they truly exemplify these spiritual gifts, which they share generously and sacrificially with their loved ones.

Mother’s Day is also a time to think about the Theotokos, as more than just the Mother of God, but also as the mother of us all. The Theotokos has given us the perfect example to emulate in her obedience, her faithfulness, her humility, and her love.

The Theotokos is also our fervent intercessor before her Son and Our God. She knows that these have been especially difficult weeks during the Coronavirus pandemic, and she offers consolation, compassion and tender mercy. Panagia also pleads to Jesus Christ on our behalf, calling to mind all of us in her prayers. When her children suffer, she feels pain. When her children rejoice, she shares in that joy.

So, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us honor our mothers – the women who gave us life, who nurtured us, and who provided a home filled with love. Even as we maintain our distance from one another, find a way to express your love to her. Let us also give thanks for the ultimate example of motherhood in the Theotokos and find inspiration in her selflessness and sacrifice.

May the blessings of the Risen Lord, through the Intercessions of the Ever-Virgin Mary and the Mother of God, be with you all!

Χριστ?ς ?νέστη! Christ is Risen!