Perpetual Virginity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Disputes with Protestants
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the disagreement between the Orthodox Church and the Protestant churches concerning the perpetual virginity of Saint Mary, explaining through biblical and theological evidence the truth of the Orthodox faith in this matter.
1. The Meaning of “Her Firstborn Son”
He clarifies that the word firstborn does not imply that there were other children afterward. It refers to “the one who opens the womb,” even if he is the only child. He cites Exodus 13 and Luke’s Gospel to show that Jesus was presented to the Lord as “firstborn,” although He was Mary’s only Son.
2. The Meaning of “Your Wife”
His Holiness explains that in the Bible, the word woman or your wife can also mean fiancée, as seen in Deuteronomy and the story of Joseph and Mary. The angel’s use of the term did not imply a physical relationship but rather that Joseph should protect and care for Mary.
3. The Expressions “Before They Came Together” and “He Did Not Know Her Until”
He interprets these phrases as emphasizing the virginal birth of Christ, showing that Mary was a virgin before, during, and after the birth. The word until in Scripture does not indicate the opposite afterward but only marks a point in time.
4. The Term “His Brothers”
His Holiness explains that brothers in Jewish usage refers to close relatives, not only to siblings. From Scripture, he shows that “Jesus’ brothers” were actually the sons of Mary, the wife of Clopas (or Alphaeus)—that is, His cousins: James, Joses, Judas, and Simon.
5. Evidence for Mary’s Perpetual Virginity
He notes that it would be illogical for Christ to entrust His Mother to John the Beloved at the Cross if she had other sons. The Bible never mentions other children of Mary during the flight into Egypt or her life with Joseph. He also cites Ezekiel 44: “This gate shall be shut… because the Lord entered by it,” symbolizing the ever-virgin womb of Mary.
Spiritual Conclusion:
His Holiness affirms that the Orthodox belief in the ever-virgin Mary is a biblical and patristic truth that expresses the holiness of the Incarnation and the purity of the Theotokos, who became the dwelling place of the Word of God. He calls believers to hold fast to the Church’s true teaching and reject misleading interpretations.
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