The Greatness of the Virgin in Doctrine – Said in Alexandria

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III reviews ideas in the doctrine of the Greatness of the Virgin, based on the Council of Ephesus, liturgical tradition and the Holy Scriptures, and clarifies that the Virgin has a unique and particular place in the mysteries and the faith.

Evidence of greatness and titles

• He cites liturgical texts (Mother of Light, the Queen, blessed among all generations) and how she is depicted in the icon with a crown and at the right hand of Christ.

• He explains that the angel’s greeting “full of grace” is not necessarily intended as the Catholic interpretation of impeccability from original sin, but indicates the fullness of the Holy Spirit and the presence of the work of salvation.

The biblical and spiritual dimension

• His Holiness links the prophecy about the offspring of the woman crushing the serpent’s head (a christological reading identifying the woman with Mary) and that she was chosen by God from the beginning.

• He points to symbolic likenesses: the Virgin as the Ark, as the burning bush that did not burn, as the tent of meeting, and these images emphasize the union of divinity with humanity and God’s dwelling in her.

Motherhood and the Church

• He explains that she is mother to the apostles and to believers because Christ said to John “this is your mother”, thus she becomes mother of the Church and not merely a biological mother.

• He mentions her standing with the apostles at Pentecost and her repose and that Christ received her soul as part of her holy course.

Miracles and belief in assumption and manifestation

• He speaks about the miracles surrounding the Virgin, including the ascent of her body into heaven as an important matter of faith.

• He affirms that the mother has many liturgical and symbolic titles used to express her holiness and her inward and outward purity.

Concluding guidance

In conclusion His Holiness calls for more explanation in the next meeting, encouraging believers to venerate and contemplate the mysteries of the Virgin and to adhere to the Church’s tradition and teachings.

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