St. Gregory Nazianzus, Sermons 38, 13 (inter 379-381 AD)
“He was conceived by the Virgin, who had first been purified by the Spirit
in soul and body; for as it was fitting that childbearing should receive its
share of honor, so it was necessary that virginity should receive even
greater honor.”
St. Ambrose of Milan, Commentary on the Gospel of Luke 2, 7 (c.
389 AD)
“Well: married but a virgin: because she is the type of the Church, which is
also married but remains immaculate.”
Liturgy of St. James the Less (ante 5th century AD)
“Our most holy, immaculate, and most glorious Lady, Mother of God and
ever Virgin Mary.”
St. Augustine of Hippo, Nature and Grace 36, 42 (415 AD)
“With the exception therefore of the Holy Virgin Mary, in whose case, out
of respect for the Lord, I do not wish there to be any further question as far
as sin is concerned, since how can we know what great abundance of grace
was conferred on her to conquer sin in every way, seeing that she merited
to conceive and bear him who certainly had no sin at all?”
St. Epiphanius of Salamis, Prayers in Praise of Mary (ante 440 AD)
“God alone excepted, she was superior to all ... to Cherubim and Seraphim,
and the whole angelic host ... Hail full of grace, who satisfies the thirsty
with the sweetness of the eternal fountain. Hail most holy Mother
Immaculate, who brought forth Jesus.”
Romanos the Melodist, On the Birth of Mary 1 (ante 560 AD)
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