His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the veneration of the Virgin Mary, clarifying the Orthodox position compared with the Protestant and Catholic views, emphasizing that Orthodox teaching is based solely on the Holy Bible.

Protestant and Catholic positions

He explains that Protestants neither venerate nor seek the intercession of Mary, viewing her only as “the mother of Jesus,” while Catholics often exaggerate in honoring her beyond doctrinal bounds. The Orthodox Church, however, offers balanced and scriptural honor.

Biblical foundation of her honor

The Pope cites the angel’s words “Blessed are you among women,” Elizabeth’s greeting “How is it that the mother of my Lord should come to me,” and Mary’s own song “All generations shall call me blessed,” showing that Mary’s veneration is biblical teaching, not human tradition.

Her biblical titles

He explains titles derived from Scripture:

• Mother of Light, because Christ is the true Light.

• Mother of the Savior, because Christ is the Savior of the world.

• Theotokos (Mother of God), for she bore God incarnate.

• Mother of believers, since Christ made her mother to His disciple John, representing all believers.

Biblical symbols

The Virgin is symbolized as:

• The Ark of the Covenant, who carried the Word of God.

• The cloud, on which the Lord came to Egypt.

• The second heaven, God’s dwelling.

• Jacob’s ladder, linking heaven and earth.

• The dove, symbol of purity and the Holy Spirit.

• The burning bush, signifying the union of divinity and humanity.

Reasons for veneration

Mary is honored because she is:

1. The Mother of God.

2. Filled with the Holy Spirit.

3. Ever-virgin.

4. Most blessed among women.

5. Honored by God Himself.

6. Manifested through miracles and appearances.

Expressions of veneration

Her veneration appears in:

• Hymns, praises, and feasts.

• Fasting in her name and churches built for her.

• Requesting her intercession as the compassionate mother.

Response to objections

He answers doubts about calling her “Gate of Life” or “Vine,” explaining these are biblical metaphors, not divine titles. Addressing her in prayer is not worship, but intercession during prayer to God, as Scripture often includes dialogue with angels, nature, or the soul itself.

Conclusion

The Pope affirms that to honor the Virgin is to honor her Son, and whoever venerates her receives blessings, while rejecting her leads to spiritual loss, for honoring her belongs to the true faith in Christ who was born of her.

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