Matters Concerning the Virgin Mary in the Catholic Doctrine
This lecture presents and critically examines certain Catholic teachings concerning the Virgin Mary, while clarifying the position of the Coptic Orthodox faith, which glorifies the Virgin without exaggeration that affects the essence of redemption and the doctrine of salvation through Christ alone.
First: The Status of the Virgin Mary in Orthodox Faith
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III affirms that the Coptic Church greatly glorifies the Virgin Mary, placing her above the apostles, prophets, and angels, and confessing her as the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin.
However, this glorification does not reach the level of equating her with Christ or granting her absolute infallibility.
Second: The Doctrine of the Immaculate Conception
He explains that the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception is a later Catholic doctrine officially declared in the nineteenth century, teaching that the Virgin was preserved from original sin from the first moment of her conception.
This doctrine, however, contradicts the universality of sin and the need of every human being, including the Virgin, for redemption through the blood of Christ.
Third: The Virgin and Redemption
Orthodox teaching affirms that the Virgin herself was in need of salvation like all humanity, as she declared in her praise saying: “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
The idea that the Virgin participated in the work of redemption or acted as a mediator in it is rejected, since redemption was accomplished by Christ alone.
Fourth: Grace and Infallibility
His Holiness distinguishes between being filled with grace and being infallible from sin, explaining that fullness of grace does not imply infallibility, as clearly seen in the lives of the apostles and saints.
Fifth: Intercession and Its Limits
The Orthodox faith acknowledges the Virgin’s intercession and her great spiritual value, but rejects the claim that all divine graces or the grace of salvation are granted only through her, because this nullifies the work of Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the sacraments of the Church.
Conclusion
The Coptic Orthodox Church maintains a balanced and moderate position:
It deeply honors and glorifies the Virgin Mary without extremism that undermines the essence of salvation or compromises the uniqueness of Christ as the sole Redeemer and Mediator between God and humanity.
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