"Thy body,[1] O chaste Virgin, is to us a treasure of blessings, and its abundant help enriches our world."
"O ye martyrs, pray for mercy upon the world which flees to your bones, that through your prayers and supplications it may find mercy on the day of judgment."
"O ye happy ones, blessed is He Who made you true physicians, and caused that from your bones aid should go forth to him who flees to them for succour."
"The bones of the righteous Joseph were a rampart against the assaults of the Egyptians; but your bones, O ye holy martyrs, have become a source of consolation[2] to all the world." From the Service appointed in the Kdham oo d'Wathâr for the vespers of Tuesday.
"We worship before your [the martyrs'] graves the hidden power contained in your bones; and as we have looked upon your death upon earth, so may we behold your coronation in heaven."
"In the place where your bones lie, there peace and safety dwell; and a company of the heavenly angels keep it and all those who reside in it." From the same ritual; in the service for the matins of Tuesday.
"Blessed is the place where your bones lie as a treasure, for when the sun sets a light springs up from your bones." From the same.
"Blessed is the hidden virtue which dwells in the bones of the martyrs, for though buried in their graves they drive away devils from the world." From the same in the matins for Friday.
There are in different parts of the mountains of Coordistan, and also about Jezeerah, Nestorian churches in which are buried the bodies of hermits and others renowned for sanctity. The graves of these reputed saints are held in high veneration, more
- ↑ Two or three passages of the hymn on the Virgin, cited under Chap. VI. § 8, seem to teach the doctrine of the Assumption; but the above extract would lead us to conclude that the ascension of her spirit is intended, and that the body of the blessed Virgin remained on earth.
- ↑ The original word is hnana, and is now applied to the clay or dust taken from the tombs of reputed saints, to be used as a charm, or given as medicine to the sick. It is also mixed with the wine which is given to bridegrooms and brides when married. See Marriage Service, hereafter.
