Our Veneration of the Virgin Mary and the Protestant Position
1. The Biblical Status of the Virgin Mary
Pope Shenouda III explains that venerating the Virgin is not exaggeration but a clear Gospel teaching, as she herself said: “Behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.” Both the angel Gabriel and Elizabeth praised her and called her “blessed among women” and “the Mother of the Lord.”
2. Responding to Protestant Objections
The Pope clarifies that Protestant refusal to honor the Virgin may be a reaction to Catholic excesses, but the Orthodox teaching is balanced. The Church adds nothing beyond Scripture and relies solely on biblical texts.
3. Titles of the Virgin in Orthodox Faith
She receives titles based on her motherhood of Christ: Mother of Light, Mother of the Savior, and Theotokos. She is also symbolized as the Ark of the Covenant, the cloud, Jacob’s ladder, and the dove—all biblical symbols expressing her holiness and the descent of the Holy Spirit upon her.
4. Why We Honor the Virgin
We honor her because she is the Mother of God, the Holy Spirit descended upon her, she is ever-virgin, full of grace, received many promises, has apparitions and miracles, and God exalted her above all women.
5. The Virgin in Church Traditions
The Church expresses her honor through hymns, praises, intercession requests, building churches in her name, her special fast, and many feasts dedicated to her.
6. Responding to Titles such as “Gate of Life” and “The Vine”
The Pope explains that titles are understood spiritually: the Virgin is the gate through which Christ came forth, thus she is called the Gate of Life. She is also called the Vine in a spiritual sense different from the meaning Christ used for Himself.
7. Addressing the Virgin in the Agpeya is Not Praying to Her
It is merely addressing her during prayer, just as we address ourselves, the angels, and nature within the Psalms. This does not contradict that prayer is directed to God alone.
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