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"Why Mary?"

(Corrected Jan 2006.)

Mary and the Incarnation.

The Gospels tell us the teaching of the Church about Mary. An angel appeared to her saying : " … you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will call his name Jesus … The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the shadow of the most high will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God." (Luke 1:31-35) In this way the prophecy of Isiah was fulfilled : "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isiah 7:14)

The early Christians believed that the son Mary carried in her womb did not have an earthly father. He was conceived by the mysterious action of the Holy Spirit. He was the Son of God, one of the Holy Trinity who existed before time began. He took human form as Jesus Christ. He was Immanuel, God with us. He was Jesus, meaning Yahweh saves. He was Christ, the Messiah who ushered in the Kingdom of God. Mary was not simply the mother of the man Jesus of Nazareth. She actually carried God-made-man inside her for 9 months. She was the mother of God incarnate.

Christians of the Holy orthodox Church keep this early teaching unaltered. We call Mary the "Theotokos". This Greek word means simply "the one who bears God". In English this is translated as "Mother of God". This title does not suggest that Mary is more than human, but it does preserve the teaching that her human child was fully God from the moment of His conception. Saying "Theotokos" is a way of teaching that God became a man in Jesus Christ.

Festivals of Mary.

The Feast of the Annunciation (March 25^th.) is based on Luke 1:26-38. It teaches us about the Incarnation, and at the same time reminds us to trust God and co-operate with Him.

The Birth of the Mother of God (Sept. 28^th.) teaches that Mary was born like anyone else, fully and normally human. This is how she could give full and normal humanity to her son. She was not magically cut off from the Hebrew past, or from the failings and sins of mankind. Her purity and holiness were achieved by co-operating with God, submitting her wishes to His will. All of us can follow her example, and turn to God. She carried Jesus in her womb, and we may carry Him in our hearts.

The falling Asleep of the Mother of God (Aug. 15^th.) is based on the early Christian tradition that Mary lived as a devout Christian after the events of the Resurrection and Pentecost. Like many Christians after her, Mary was filled with the Holy Spirit, and was made perfect in love and devotion to the Lord. In life, she was already mysteriously living in the Kingdom of God. In death, she was called into that Kingdom. This is why the Mother of God is sometimes called "the first amongst the saints".

Why Honour Mary ?

Why do Orthodox Christians honour Mary with hymns and festivals ?

Because she carried our Lord and God and Saviour for 9 months. She was His mother. Without Mary we would not have Jesus. We honour the Son through His mother.

Because Holy Scripture tells us to: "For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed." (Luke 1:48) In company with Elizabeth, we sing aloud: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb." (Luke 1:42)

Because we recognise Mary as the ideal example of how to respond to God. Whatever the challenge, we should respond: "Let it be to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38) As Elizabeth said : "Blessed is she who believed …" (Luke 1:45)

Because Mary co-operated in the work of the Holy Trinity during her earthly life, as far as humanly possible. She was at one with God in the work of salvation, so she must already experience eternal life. (1 John 5:20) We sing her praises because even now Mary stands among "spirits of just men made perfect", with the saints in "the heavenly Jerusalem." (Hebrews 12:22-23)

"Hail Mother of God and Virgin, Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. For you have given birth to the saviour of our souls." When Orthodox Christians sing this hymn in honour of the Mother of God, they are singing Holy scripture and following the example of the early Church.

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Orthodox Christian Contact Leaflets.

This text above is based on an A4, half fold leaflet, illustrated with line icons, and prints,

with space for your parish stamp or address.

It is one of a series of OCC leaflets.

The titles are designed for mission work and simple introductions. Titles currently include :

This is the Holy Orthodox Church.

Welcome to the Holy Orthodox Church.

Why Mary? What are icons?

The Holy Trinity.

The Eucharist or the Divine Liturgy.

How can we be born of Water and the Spirit?

The Resurrection. Celtic Christianity.

These can be ordered singly, or in bulk. Contact Father Luke for details.

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