THE THEOTOKOS THE "QUEEN OF THE ANGELS" INTERCESSOR AND PROTECTRESS OF LOS ANGELES
Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles
From the official name of Los Angeles first given in 1781.
Painted at Holy Cenobium of the Annunciation of the Mother of God in Ormylia, Greece, this byzantine styled composition begins from the perspective of the Pacific Ocean, therefore closest to us are waves of the ocean sprinkled with white sailboats and dolphins. Just beyond the water, a landscape emerges, weaving downtown skyscrapers, mountains, highways and illuminated cathedrals. These recognizable cathedrals and churches include the Orthodox churches in Los Angeles. Colors abound in palms, vineyards and orange trees representing Los Angeles’ agricultural heritage. Centered in their midst, the Most Holy Theotokos, Protectress of the City rises to dominate the composition, just as the Theotokos, the Intercessor of Constantinople or Mount Athos. She is seen vertically on her Throne surrounded by Angels. The hierarchs and priests represented are in prayerful plea together with the faithful, while children of all backgrounds encircle joyfully, dancing with flowers in their hands.
Apolytikion of the Mother of God of Los Angeles
First Mode (*Rejoice, thou who art full of grace*)
Rejoice, virgin Mother of God, full of grace,
Queen of the Angels and protectress of the human race.
From you dawned the Sun of righteousness, Christ our God,
Who illumines through the Gospel all of creation and mankind.
Implore Him, o Mother of God and shelter of the 'City of Angels',
to guard all the children of God in the City
and in the Diocese of Western America
and to save our souls as He who alone loves mankind!
