The Virgin Mary in Catholicism
His Holiness Pope Shenouda speaks about the position of the Virgin Mary in the Orthodox faith, showing the difference between the Orthodox veneration of her and the Catholic exaggerations that go beyond sound doctrine.
The Virgin’s place in the Orthodox Church:
He affirms that the Coptic Church glorifies the Virgin Mary above all saints, apostles, prophets, and angels, honoring her as Theotokos (Mother of God). She has a special month (Kiahk), with many hymns and praises, and her icons adorn every church. The Church also believes in her perpetual virginity — before, during, and after Christ’s birth.
Rejection of new Catholic doctrines:
His Holiness explains that some Catholic doctrines about the Virgin, such as the Immaculate Conception, are modern innovations not mentioned in the Bible, officially declared only in 1854 by Pope Pius IX.
Explaining and refuting the doctrine:
The Catholic teaching says the Virgin was preserved from original sin from the first moment of her conception. Pope Shenouda responds that this contradicts the truth of redemption, since “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” and salvation came only through Christ’s blood. Even Mary herself said, “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” acknowledging her need for redemption.
On redemption and grace:
He explains that if there were another way of salvation apart from Christ’s sacrifice, the Incarnation and the Cross would have been unnecessary. Therefore, the idea of “preventive redemption” is unacceptable. He mentions that many early Catholic fathers, like Thomas Aquinas, also rejected this doctrine because it contradicts the universality of sin and redemption.
On Mary’s intercession and distribution of grace:
He criticizes the Catholic belief that Mary is “the mediator of all graces,” affirming instead that the Holy Spirit alone distributes grace according to God’s will, and that Mary’s intercession is honorary, not redemptive. Christ alone is the one Mediator between God and men.
Balance between extremes:
The Pope emphasizes that Orthodoxy stands between Catholic exaggeration and Protestant denial. The Virgin deserves veneration as the Mother of God, but she is not equal to Christ in divinity or redemptive work.
Spiritual conclusion:
He calls for a balanced faith that honors the Virgin Mary with love and reverence, without diminishing Christ’s glory or His redemptive act. All saints share in the work of grace, but the only Savior is our Lord Jesus Christ.
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