40. Hence it cannot be doubted that Mary most Holy is far above all other creatures in dignity, and after her Son possesses primacy over all. "You have surpassed every creature," sings St. Sophronius. "What can be more sublime than your joy, O Virgin Mother? What more noble than this grace, which you alone have received from God"?⁵² To this St. Germanus adds: "Your honor and dignity surpass the whole of creation; your greatness places you above the angels."⁵³ And St. John Damascene goes so far as to say: "Limitless is the difference between God's servants and His Mother."⁵⁴