Famous Women in the Holy Bible
The Virgin Mary
On the occasion of the beginning of the blessed fast, we speak about:
The Virgin Mary, our Mother all, the Queen standing at the right hand of the King, the intercessor of humanity, whom the Church places in a rank higher than the chief angels, and to whom it says in the hymn:
You have been exalted, O Mary, above the Cherubim, and you have been elevated, O Mary, above the Seraphim.
Mary, who was raised in the Temple and lived a life of prayer and contemplation from her childhood, and who was the holy vessel chosen by the Lord for His indwelling.
Long generations awaited the birth of this Virgin, so that through her the fullness of time might be fulfilled…
She is the one who removed the disgrace of Eve and restored the reputation of woman after the Fall. She is the Mother of God, Ever-Virgin.
We celebrate this fast in her name, and we commemorate the assumption of her body into heaven, and we celebrate many feasts in her honor every year…
We liken her to Aaron’s rod that blossomed, Aaron’s censer, the Ark of the Covenant, the pot of manna, and the burning bush of Moses in which the fire burned and was not consumed…
How many symbols and types there are… And the Virgin has many virtues for which the Church glorifies her.
First: Her humility, as she bore this great glory and said, “I am the handmaid of the Lord.”
Second: A life of surrender, as she said to the angel, “Let it be to me according to your word.”
Third: Her silence, for “she kept all these things, pondering them in her heart” without speaking.
In the Virgin are also exemplified chastity, service, endurance, spiritual knowledge, and love for the Lord.
In her name many churches and monasteries have been established, miracles have occurred, and she has appeared in glory to thousands.
An article by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III – El-Keraza Magazine – Eighth Year (Issue No. 33), 19 August 1977.
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