Kebra Nagast

Mary it is right that we should worship her, for in her name is blessed the Tabernacle of the Law of God. And it is right that we should worship Michael and ; Gabriel." And the Archbishop Cyril answered and said unto And if he hath said this unto them, we also What did our Lord Jesus Christ say when He was teaching those who believed in Him ? them : will say unto them : One came from outside and said unto Him, " Behold them, Thy father and Thy mother outside seeking Thee." And Christ the Lover of men answered and, stretching out His hand towards those whom He was teaching, said, without making any distinction or differ" ence between man and woman, Behold them, My father, and My mother, and My brother. Whosoever hath heard My word and hath done the Will of My Father, that same is My father, and My mother, and My sister." 1 O thou blind-hearted Jew, canst thou not see His mercy and His love for men when He spake thus ? He neither separated nor made a distinction, but He " said unto them, My brother." For He loveth those who love Him and keep His commandment, especially the martyrs, who for His sake delivered themselves over to death, though they knew the bitterness of death ; and the solitary monks who keep the commandment of God, and love Him with all their hearts, and He loveth them. And their graves which are built, that is to say, the martyriums, and the churches which are built in their names, and the tabernacles which the Bishops consecrate in their names every one is holy in the house of the Sanctuary of God. And the man who prayeth in their names God heareth. And those who pray in purity, without uncleanness and blemish, and in humility and sincerity in a tabernacle which hath been consecrated whether it be in the name of a martyr, or in the name of an angel, or in the name[s] ; 1 198 Compare Matthew xii, 49 ; Mark iii, 34 ff.