Her mediation and Christ’s mediation operate as one in an unceasing, indivisible synergy in Heaven and in the world. Therefore, she remits sins, intercedes, saves, heals, enlightens, sanctifies, guides, guards, protects; she routs demons and barbarian hordes, delivers us from dangers, turns tides, calms storms.
A profound vesper hymn clearly distinguishes the unique nature of the intercessions of the Theotokos:
“Unveil to us the boundless sea of your mercy and goodness and thereby wash away our sins, O All-Blameless One; for as the Mother of God you have authority over creation, and by your power you bring all things to pass according to your will. For the grace of the Holy Spirit clearly abides in you, and unceasingly co-works with you in all things, O All-Blessed One.”26
Among the saints and angelic hosts, the Theotokos alone, therefore, “has power to do all that she wills.”27 To her is given “authority over creation,” not merely honorary or titular authority but authority with power.
For the vesper hymn tells us she “brings all things to pass” by grace, and not by grace that is occasional or tentative, but by full and “unceasing” grace that abides in her. By unceasing grace, her creaturely energy in Paradise became transfigured, uncreated, as it were.
For, like the mystery of the Incarnation, it is the mystery of two, one created and one Uncreated, co-working in a synergy that is as a single operation. For no creature is of its own nature “boundless.” Only the uncreated, divine energy is boundless, unfailing, undiminished, inexhaustible, eternaly constant.
The efficacy of this synergy, therefore, springs from the one power and one rule (or “kingdom”) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. An Entry Hymn of the Divine Liturgy invokes her “unchanging mediation” and her “constant protection of Christians.”
Elsewhere she is also described as “unresting in intercessions,”28 the constant and “ready reception”29 of all who approach her seeking refuge.
~Adapted from George S. Gabriel, Mary: The Untrodden Portal of God
26. Small Vespers, Saturday of the Fourth Tone, Apostichon of the Theotokos. Similarly, the Kathisma Theotokion (“The Wisdom and Logos … “) of the Plagal Fourth Tone says, ” … you are able to do all that you will to do, O All·Pure One.”
27. Theotokion of Tuesday of the Plagal First Tone.
28. Kontakion of the Dormition.
29. Compline prayer to the Theotokos.
