Orthodox Parables and Stories: "The Power of Greetings to the Virgin Mary"

The power of Greetings to the Virgin Mary !!! 

Many years ago a pious family lived in a rural area! Because they did not know many letters, they used to pray aloud in the house with the Archangelic Greeting, and this very Greeting, hearing the youngest son of the family from his childhood, kept repeating it, whether he was in the house or playing. Out in the yard. 

One day when he was a little older, he left home for a while and went to play with the other children near the river that passed by their village. Careless as he was he slipped and fell into the river.

And as it was winter and the waters were inflated the little one, who unfortunately did not know how to swim, was quickly swept away by the rushing waters.

The other children started shouting for help, the villagers immediately ran and some even dived into the river and swam in their attempt to find the child. 

Meanwhile, the mother was notified and full of anxiety she also ran to the spot where her little son had fallen into the river. 

Time passed and the little one did not give a sign of life! Some people started looking on both banks of the river to collect the dead body of the boy, since they were now convinced that the little one would have drowned!

Only his mother had her hope in the Virgin Mary and with tears in her eyes she begged Her to do Her miracle and to give her her child.  And oh the paradoxical miracle. 

They see from the bottom of the river, a figure emerging, coming against the direction of the river. 

When he approached, they could see the little one floating in the river, with his clothes dry and smiling happily, clapping his hands happily. 

Both the mother and the others dived into the water and the little one was lost in the arms of his mother, who, full of tears, thanked Our Lady for Her miracle !! 

"But why are you crying mother," the little one asked in astonishment! 

“Oh my love"

The little one answered calmly "when I fell into the water I felt two hands lift me up. I turned and saw our Panagia holding me in Her arms, and all this time I was with Her. And you know we played together!"

"I greeted Her as you have taught me and as I have done since I was a baby !! I kept telling her "Rejoice, Virgin Maria !!" and She, smiling, answered me, “The Lord be with you!"