
Mary, Worthy of All Praise
Reflections on the Virgin Mary
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed

Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Buy for $14.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
David Smith
-
By:
-
David Smith
About this listen
In the Gospel of Luke, we hear the angel s timeless proclamation to Mary, Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women (Luke 1:28).
Every generation of Christians must contemplate these angelic words, for Mary is the Theotokos and Mother of Our Lord. Every culture must confront her mystery. Through its worship services, the church gives us many opportunities to consider the place of the Mother of Jesus Christ in our lives. The beautiful Paraclesis service, sung every day during the Virgin's Lent, offers the perfect vehicle to do just that. Sung from the first to the fifteenth of August, and at other times of illness and distress, the Paraclesis is a supplicatory song, a canon of praise, a collection of eight odes of love, a series of poems celebrating with honor the mother of God.
Father David Smith shares with us his own personal meditations on Mary, based upon his reflections on the Paraclesis service. If you have a longing to make the Theotokos a greater part of your life to bless her, as commanded by Gabriel, these thoughtful contemplations will encourage and profit you immensely.
©2004 David R. Smith (P)2022 David R. SmithListeners also enjoyed...
-
Apocrypha
- An Introduction to Extra-Biblical Literature
- By: Stephen De Young
- Narrated by: Stephen De Young
- Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Many Christians today divide ancient Jewish and Christian literature into two categories: what is in the Bible and what is not. The Christian East, however, has traditionally described a third category considered beneficial for Christians to listen to in the home: “apocrypha.” These texts, from the centuries before and after the Incarnation of Jesus Christ—beyond even the larger canons of the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Old Testaments—reveal to us the religious world and theological framework of the apostles and early Church Fathers.
-
-
Great Intro Into Apocryphal Literature
- By Christina on 07-15-23
By: Stephen De Young
-
From Object to Icon
- The Struggle for Spiritual Vision in a Pornographic World
- By: Andrew Williams
- Narrated by: Andrew Williams
- Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Since the advent of the internet, it has become increasingly obvious that our society suffers from a pornography problem—and Orthodox Christians are no exception. While many practical resources are available to help those who struggle with pornography use, these fail to address the problem at its deeper, spiritual root.
-
-
Life- and Heart-Changing
- By Paul on 10-07-23
By: Andrew Williams
-
The Story of Jesus
- A History and Theology of Christ
- By: Matthew the Poor
- Narrated by: John Maddex
- Length: 11 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Part history, part theology, part devotional, The Story of Jesus explores the complete life and teachings of our Lord from before his conception in the womb of Mary until his ascension. Revered 20th-century Egyptian elder and scholar Matthew the Poor wrote many volumes on the subject of Christ's significance, life, and teaching, which translator James Helmy has distilled into one book that will make an essential addition to every Christian's audiobook library.
-
-
Enlightening and edifying
- By Michael Williams on 11-01-24
By: Matthew the Poor
-
Our Father
- By: Alexander Schmemann
- Narrated by: Alexander Hatcher
- Length: 1 hr and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This commentary on the Lord's prayer has been compiled from a series of broadcasts made by Father Alexander Schmemann on Radio Liberty to listeners in the Soviet Union. Because this single short prayer of Christ has everything that needs to be said about God, his kingdom, this life, and all of us, it is not an exaggeration to suggest that in this commentary, Father Schmemann provides us with a map for seeing anew the purpose and measure of our whole life.
-
-
New Love for the Lord’s Prayer
- By Sara Wright Shropshire on 03-10-25
-
The Whole Counsel of God
- An Introduction to Your Bible
- By: Stephen De Young
- Narrated by: Stephen De Young
- Length: 3 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In The Whole Counsel of God, popular writer and podcaster Fr. Stephen de Young gives an overview of what the Bible is and what is its place in the life of an Orthodox Christian, correcting many Protestant misconceptions along the way. Issues covered include inspiration, inerrancy, the formation of the biblical canon, the various texts and their provenance, the place of Scripture within Orthodox Tradition, and how an Orthodox Christian should read, study, and interpret the Bible.
-
-
A good intro to The Orthodox approach to Scripture
- By Josh on 11-07-22
By: Stephen De Young
-
Nihilism
- The Root of the Revolution of the Modern Age
- By: Eugene (Fr. Seraphim) Rose
- Narrated by: David A. Conatser
- Length: 4 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 1962, the young Eugene Rose - the future Hieromonk Seraphim - undertook to write a monumental chronicle of the abandonment of truth in the modern age. Of the hundreds of pages of materials he compiled for this work, only the present essay, on nihilism, has come down to us in completed form. Here Eugene reveals the core of all modern thought and life - the belief that all truth is relative - and shows how this belief has been translated into action in our era. Today, more than half a century after he wrote it, this essay is more timely than ever.
-
-
Reads very current
- By Judith Glass on 09-05-22
-
Apocrypha
- An Introduction to Extra-Biblical Literature
- By: Stephen De Young
- Narrated by: Stephen De Young
- Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Many Christians today divide ancient Jewish and Christian literature into two categories: what is in the Bible and what is not. The Christian East, however, has traditionally described a third category considered beneficial for Christians to listen to in the home: “apocrypha.” These texts, from the centuries before and after the Incarnation of Jesus Christ—beyond even the larger canons of the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Old Testaments—reveal to us the religious world and theological framework of the apostles and early Church Fathers.
-
-
Great Intro Into Apocryphal Literature
- By Christina on 07-15-23
By: Stephen De Young
-
From Object to Icon
- The Struggle for Spiritual Vision in a Pornographic World
- By: Andrew Williams
- Narrated by: Andrew Williams
- Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Since the advent of the internet, it has become increasingly obvious that our society suffers from a pornography problem—and Orthodox Christians are no exception. While many practical resources are available to help those who struggle with pornography use, these fail to address the problem at its deeper, spiritual root.
-
-
Life- and Heart-Changing
- By Paul on 10-07-23
By: Andrew Williams
-
The Story of Jesus
- A History and Theology of Christ
- By: Matthew the Poor
- Narrated by: John Maddex
- Length: 11 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Part history, part theology, part devotional, The Story of Jesus explores the complete life and teachings of our Lord from before his conception in the womb of Mary until his ascension. Revered 20th-century Egyptian elder and scholar Matthew the Poor wrote many volumes on the subject of Christ's significance, life, and teaching, which translator James Helmy has distilled into one book that will make an essential addition to every Christian's audiobook library.
-
-
Enlightening and edifying
- By Michael Williams on 11-01-24
By: Matthew the Poor
-
Our Father
- By: Alexander Schmemann
- Narrated by: Alexander Hatcher
- Length: 1 hr and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This commentary on the Lord's prayer has been compiled from a series of broadcasts made by Father Alexander Schmemann on Radio Liberty to listeners in the Soviet Union. Because this single short prayer of Christ has everything that needs to be said about God, his kingdom, this life, and all of us, it is not an exaggeration to suggest that in this commentary, Father Schmemann provides us with a map for seeing anew the purpose and measure of our whole life.
-
-
New Love for the Lord’s Prayer
- By Sara Wright Shropshire on 03-10-25
-
The Whole Counsel of God
- An Introduction to Your Bible
- By: Stephen De Young
- Narrated by: Stephen De Young
- Length: 3 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In The Whole Counsel of God, popular writer and podcaster Fr. Stephen de Young gives an overview of what the Bible is and what is its place in the life of an Orthodox Christian, correcting many Protestant misconceptions along the way. Issues covered include inspiration, inerrancy, the formation of the biblical canon, the various texts and their provenance, the place of Scripture within Orthodox Tradition, and how an Orthodox Christian should read, study, and interpret the Bible.
-
-
A good intro to The Orthodox approach to Scripture
- By Josh on 11-07-22
By: Stephen De Young
-
Nihilism
- The Root of the Revolution of the Modern Age
- By: Eugene (Fr. Seraphim) Rose
- Narrated by: David A. Conatser
- Length: 4 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 1962, the young Eugene Rose - the future Hieromonk Seraphim - undertook to write a monumental chronicle of the abandonment of truth in the modern age. Of the hundreds of pages of materials he compiled for this work, only the present essay, on nihilism, has come down to us in completed form. Here Eugene reveals the core of all modern thought and life - the belief that all truth is relative - and shows how this belief has been translated into action in our era. Today, more than half a century after he wrote it, this essay is more timely than ever.
-
-
Reads very current
- By Judith Glass on 09-05-22
-
Face to Face
- Knowing God Beyond Our Shame
- By: Stephen Freeman
- Narrated by: Stephen Freeman
- Length: 4 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Popular author and speaker Fr. Stephen Freeman explores the roots and meaning of both toxic and healthy shame, revealing the crucial importance of this understanding for our relationship with God.
-
-
Powerful and very deep
- By Jordan McGuire on 11-06-24
By: Stephen Freeman
-
God Is a Man of War
- The Problem of Violence in the Old Testament
- By: Stephen De Young
- Narrated by: Stephen De Young
- Length: 4 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Violence in the Old Testament has long been a stumbling block for Christians and skeptics alike. God Is a Man of War offers a fresh interpretation of Old Testament accounts of violence, by exploring them through the twofold lens of Orthodox tradition and historical context. Father Stephen De Young examines what these difficult passages reveal about the nature of Christ and His creation, bearing witness to a world filled not only with pain and suffering - often of human making - but also with the love of God.
-
-
AWESOME
- By Sk on 11-03-21
By: Stephen De Young
-
Acquiring the Mind of Christ
- Embracing the Vision of the Orthodox Church
- By: Sergius Bowyer
- Narrated by: Jonah Martin
- Length: 4 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
How do we acquire this mind of Christ and where is it to be found? For the Orthodox Christian, salvation is the acquisition of this mind of Christ which is to be found in the Church. This acquisition moves us from the image of God to the likeness of God; through our obedience to this call we begin to know God and this knowledge is eternal life (John 17:3). This small book hopes to begin to answer how acquiring the mind of Christ is possible and why it is necessary in our lives today.
-
-
Short but extremely profound
- By Jacob A. Mueller on 03-14-23
By: Sergius Bowyer
-
Bearing God
- The Life and Works of St. Ignatius of Antioch the God-Bearer
- By: Andrew Stephen Damick
- Narrated by: Andrew Stephen Damick
- Length: 4 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
St. Ignatius, first-century Bishop of Antioch, called the “God-bearer”, is one of the earliest witnesses to the truth of Christ and the nature of the Christian life. Tradition tells us that as a small child, Ignatius was singled out by Jesus himself as an example of the childlike faith all Christians must possess. In Bearing God, Father Andrew Damick recounts the life of this great pastor, martyr, and saint, and interprets for the modern listener five major themes in the pastoral letters he wrote.
-
-
Excellent!
- By Michael Kirby on 01-30-25
-
Great Lent
- Journey to Pascha
- By: Alexander Schmemann
- Narrated by: Peter Bouteneff
- Length: 5 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This revised edition of Fr. Alexander Schmemann's Lenten classic examines the meaning of the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian, the canon of St. Andrew of Crete, and other neglected or misunderstood treasures of Lenten worship. Schmemann draws on the Church's sacramental and liturgical tradition to suggest the meaning of "Lent in our life". The Lenten season is meant to kindle a "bright sadness" within our hearts. Its aim is precisely the remembrance of Christ, a longing for a relationship with God that has been lost.
-
-
Him bashing the monasteries….
- By Christina on 04-29-24
-
How to Be a Sinner
- By: Peter Bouteneff
- Narrated by: Peter Bouteneff
- Length: 4 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
We call ourselves "sinners"; in much of our church life. Yet the sinner identity - when done right - brings peace of mind, a clear conscience, and love for others. Addressing topics like guilt, shame, and self-care, this compassionate guide will help you reflect on your life in surrender to God's mercy. Written by an internationally recognized professor of Orthodox theology, this audiobook will speak to you wherever you find yourself.
-
-
How to Fall and Get Up
- By C on 01-05-24
By: Peter Bouteneff
-
The Age of Paradise: Christendom from Pentecost to the First Millennium
- Paradise and Utopia: The Rise and Fall of What the West Once Was, Book 1
- By: John Strickland
- Narrated by: John Strickland
- Length: 11 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Age of Paradise is the first of a projected four-volume history of Christendom, a civilization with a supporting culture that gave rise to what we now call the West. At a time of renewed interest in the future of Western culture, author John Strickland—an Orthodox scholar, professor, and priest—offers a vision rooted in the deep past of the first millennium. At the heart of his story is the early Church’s “culture of paradise”, an experience of the world in which the kingdom of heaven was tangible and familiar.
-
-
crucially well-informed history of the world
- By Paul on 02-04-23
By: John Strickland
-
When You Fast
- The Why and How of Christian Self-Discipline
- By: L. Joseph Letendre
- Narrated by: L. Joseph Letendre
- Length: 1 hr and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this companion volume to the popular When You Pray, L. Joseph Letendre explores the underpinnings of the Church's practice of fasting and of ascetic discipline in general. Rather than being preoccupied with the details of food regulations, he helps the listener understand the purpose of fasting and how to enter into it more willingly and fully.
-
-
Minimally Helpful for Protestant Listeners
- By Joshua Webber on 01-20-25
-
Welcoming Gifts
- Sacrifice in the Bible and Christian Life
- By: Jeremy Davis
- Narrated by: Jeremy Davis
- Length: 10 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In modern parlance, the word "sacrifice" conjures images of suffering, loss, and even martyrdom. But sacrifice, as practiced in the Old Testament and throughout the ancient world, was most often the occasion of joyous celebration—a way of drawing near to God and to the other members of the community. Welcoming Gifts explores the history of sacrifice, the meaning of Christ's sacrifice, and what the concept should mean for Christians today—a way of expressing and cementing our relationship with God.
-
-
Incredible book that expanded and clarified my understanding of this critical topic!
- By Pauline Magnusson on 07-14-22
By: Jeremy Davis
-
The Master's Indwelling
- By: Andrew Murray
- Narrated by: Robert J. Shaw
- Length: 4 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
He humbled himself to bear the name and show the meekness and die the death of the Lamb of God. And what is it we now need to do? How are we to be saved by this humility of Jesus? It is a solemn question, but thank God, the answer can be given. First, we must desire it above everything.
-
-
Profound! The true Christian’s Treasure and Delight
- By J. Schork on 06-10-19
By: Andrew Murray
-
Father Arseny
- Priest, Prisoner, Spiritual Father
- By: Fr Arseny
- Narrated by: Peter Bouteneff, Vera Bouteneff
- Length: 12 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It is one of the great mysteries of life that in atmospheres of the harshest cruelty, a certain few not only survive, but emerge as beacons of light and life. Father Arseny, former scholar of church art, became Prisoner No. 18736 in the brutal "special sector" of the Soviet prison camp system.
-
-
Lovely book, beautifully read
- By Carol Sheehan on 02-28-23
By: Fr Arseny
-
A Silent Patriarch
- Life and Legacy
- By: Daniel Fanous
- Narrated by: Jonah Martin
- Length: 14 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A Silent Patriarch is the first scholarly biography of the desert hermit who became a most unlikely patriarch. Until now, the details of his life have remained hidden. As patriarch, Kyrillos inherited a bleeding church, one confronted by political Islamism, an indifferent Muslim president, and the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood.
-
-
Masterpiece
- By Amazon Customer on 04-05-25
By: Daniel Fanous