The Virgin Mary and Her Motherhood Part 2
🔹 Saint Mary: Mother of Light and the Holiest Woman
His Holiness Pope Shenouda spoke about Saint Mary as the purest and holiest woman, who by her humility and purity compensated for Eve’s first sin. God waited through generations for the birth of this holy virgin to dwell within her, showing her unique greatness among all creation, as she was worthy to bear God in her womb.
🔸 Her Honor in Scripture
The angel Gabriel greeted her saying: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.” Likewise, Elizabeth confirmed she was blessed among all women. The Church proclaims in its hymns: “Many women have obtained honors, but none like you.” She is the greatest among women, just as John the Baptist was the greatest among men born of women.
🔸 Her Spiritual Titles
She is called “Mother of Light,” for Christ is the Light of the world; “Mother of the Savior”; “Mother of the Holy One”; and “Theotokos,” the Mother of God. She is the great mother — mother of Christ in the flesh and of all believers spiritually. As the Lord said to John, “Behold your mother.” Therefore, we honor her, fulfilling the commandment: “Honor your father and your mother.”
🔸 Her Old Testament Symbols
She is likened to the Ark of the Covenant containing the Word of God, and to incorruptible wood signifying purity. She is also compared to the burning bush, the golden censer, the pot of manna, Jacob’s ladder connecting heaven and earth, and Aaron’s rod that blossomed — symbolizing fruitful virginity.
🔸 The Church’s Veneration of Her
The Church celebrates many feasts for Saint Mary — her birth, annunciation, dormition, apparitions, and miracles. Her icon is always placed at the right of the altar, recalling: “At Your right hand stands the queen.” The month of Kiahk is dedicated to her praises as a preparation for Christ’s Nativity.
🔸 Her Perpetual Virginity
His Holiness affirmed that Saint Mary remained ever-virgin before and after Christ’s birth, fulfilling Ezekiel’s prophecy of the eastern gate through which the Lord entered and remained shut. The term “firstborn” means “the one who opens the womb,” not implying other children. Likewise, “your wife” in the Gospel referred to betrothed women, not necessarily married ones.
🔸 Refutation of Protestant Views
Pope Shenouda explained that Joseph the carpenter was an elderly man who protected Mary as a guardian, not a husband. The Orthodox Church rejects Protestant views that diminish her holiness or deny her perpetual virginity.
Main Message:
Honoring Saint Mary is a core of faith — she is the Theotokos, Mother of Light, symbol of purity and humility, and a source of blessing for all believers.
