A Word on the Virtues of the Virgin
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III addresses in this word the role of the Virgin Mary as the chosen vessel to bear Christ, highlighting two essential virtues: purity and humility. He explains how God prepared that girl to bear His glory by the power of the Holy Spirit, and how her purity and spiritual robe are a fortress preventing any “inheritance” of sin. He also emphasizes the true humility the Virgin showed by acknowledging her position as a servant of the Lord, not by claiming rights.
The spiritual and educational dimension from a Coptic Orthodox faith perspective
The talk affirms that the Virgin’s choice was by the support of the Holy Trinity: the Father who overshadowed her, the Holy Spirit who came upon her, and the Son who was born of her. This choice expresses the mystery of salvation and the manifestation of God’s immense love for humanity. From the Coptic Orthodox perspective, the Virgin is presented as a practical example of holiness produced by obedience to God and surrender to His will.
The Virgin’s characteristics as stated in the word
- Complete purity: necessary so that the newborn does not receive any trace of sin.
- True humility: the ability for greatness to appear while she holds inner humility without pretence.
- A life of surrender: accepting God’s will in every detail, even in poverty, humiliation, and persecution.
- Preserving the holy within the heart: many visions and miracles she chose to keep in silence and contemplation rather than boast.
Practical and spiritual lessons
- The call for the believer’s life to be a blend of purity and humility, trusting that God’s plans are wiser than our plans.
- That true humility does not mean weakness but a loftiness of spirit that reveals God’s power in submitting to Him.
- Encouragement to full surrender: saying “Let it be done to me according to your word” as a daily life approach.
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