Yes, the Orthodox Church does pray to Mary, considering her as the Theotokos (Mother of God) and seeking her intercession with Christ. However, the nature of this veneration differs from the Catholic understanding of praying to saints.
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Yes, the Orthodox Church does pray to Mary, but the nature of this veneration differs from the Catholic understanding of praying to saints. In the Orthodox tradition, Mary is highly revered as the Theotokos (Mother of God) and is considered to hold a special place in the life of the Church.
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The title Theotokos: The Orthodox Church refers to Mary as the Theotokos, which translates as “Mother of God” or “God-bearer.” This title emphasizes her unique role in giving birth to Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the incarnate Son of God.
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Intercession: Orthodox Christians seek Mary’s intercession, believing that as the mother of Christ, she holds a special place in the divine order. They ask for her prayers and seek her help in various aspects of life, such as for healing, protection, and guidance.
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Prayers and hymns: Orthodox Christians have dedicated numerous prayers and hymns to Mary, expressing their love, gratitude, and devotion towards her. These prayers often acknowledge her as the Mother of God and ask for her intercession before God.
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Icons and feasts: The veneration of Mary is also expressed through the use of icons in Orthodox churches. Icons depicting Mary and the Christ Child are revered and serve as a means of connecting with her spiritual presence. Additionally, the Church celebrates several feasts dedicated to Mary, highlighting her significant role in salvation history.
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Distinction from Catholic veneration: While the Orthodox Church acknowledges Mary’s role as a powerful intercessor, it differs from the Catholic understanding of praying to saints. The Orthodox veneration of Mary focuses on her unique relationship with Christ and her position as the Theotokos, rather than viewing her as an intermediary between believers and God.
In the words of St. John Damascene, a prominent 8th-century Eastern Orthodox theologian, “To the heavenly love of her who bore You, O Christ, we cry aloud, ‘Save us by raising us from the earth to Heaven.’” This quote illustrates the Orthodox understanding of seeking Mary’s prayers as a means of drawing closer to God.
Overall, while the Orthodox Church does pray to Mary and considers her as the Theotokos, this veneration is distinctive and grounded in the belief of her unique role in salvation history rather than a belief in her ability to grant favors or salvation independently.
Video response to “Does the Orthodox Church pray to Mary?”
In the YouTube video titled “The Role of the Virgin Mary in the Orthodox Church,” the speaker addresses concerns of some Protestants regarding the Orthodox Church’s view of the Virgin Mary. The speaker clarifies that Mary is not worshipped or considered an idol in Orthodox beliefs, but rather a child of God and a willing servant. She serves as an inspiration, example, and comforting presence, and Orthodox believers can ask Mary to pray for them. The speaker emphasizes that this does not compete with prayers to the Lord, but enhances the relationship with Him. The deep affection and love for Mary expressed by Orthodox believers is compared to a child’s adoration for their mother, and while these prayers may appear extravagant, they are simply expressions of devotion and love.
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A deep devotion to the "Aeiparthenos" (i.e., Ever Virgin) Mary is one of the key themes of Orthodox liturgy and spirituality. Devotion to the Virgin Mary is "taken for granted" in Eastern Orthodoxy. It permeates the entire life of the Church and historically required no academic development as in the Western Church.
Orthodox Christians do not worship Mary, but rather hold her in high esteem and give her the honor and reverence she deserves as a role model for all Christians and as the bearer of God. The Orthodox Church seeks Mary’s intercession before her Son, asking her to pray on our behalf. Mary is honored in both poetry and prose in the Orthodox Church, and is invoked during Divine Services, the Liturgy and sung hymns.
Orthodox Christians do not worship Mary. Contrary to popular belief in Protestantism, the Eastern Orthodox Church does not worship the Virgin Mary. Rather, we hold her in high esteem and give her the honor and reverence she deserves as a role model for all Christians and as the bearer of God.
Properly speaking, Orthodox Christians do not “pray to” the Mother of God instead of God; we seek her intercession before her Son, asking her to pray on our behalf; another Orthodox hymn states that “the prayers of a mother availeth much before her Son.”
Mary, the Mother of God, is honored in both poetry and prose in the Orthodox Church. She is the patroness of the Orthodox church and is invoked during Divine Services, the Liturgy and sung hymns. In Orthodox liturgy, she is called the “God-bearer” or “Mother of God.” The final petition of every ektenia ends with an invocation to Mary.
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Regarding this, How does the Orthodox Church view Mary? Contrary to popular belief in Protestantism, the Eastern Orthodox Church does not worship the Virgin Mary. Rather, we hold her in high esteem and give her the honor and reverence she deserves as a role model for all Christians and as the bearer of God. Her position as the Theotokos gives her incredible influence.
Regarding this, Do Orthodox pray to saints and Mary?
Response: Intercession of the Saints is a Christian doctrine held by the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Assyrian Church of the East and Catholic churches, and some Anglicans. The practice of praying through saints can be found in Christian writings from the 3rd century onward.
In this manner, What do Orthodox Christians call Mary? Theotokos, (Greek: “God-Bearer”), in Eastern Orthodoxy, the designation of the Virgin Mary as mother of God.
In respect to this, Does Orthodox believe in Mary as Mother of God? Response will be: Both the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Churches share a tradition in which the veneration of Mary is a most important aspect of liturgy and belief. Eastern Christians revere the Blessed Virgin as their own loving Mother, and see in her the sign that God has truly dwelt among His people.
Can I remain Catholic and not pray to Mary?
As a response to this: sure you can stay Catholic, and not pray to Mary, but you’d be missing out on something really special I recommend you read the book "Hail Holy Queen" by Scott Hahn ask Jesus, with an open heart, how to see His Mother…
Does the Orthodox church worship Mary, the mother of Jesus?
Response will be: The Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches believe that Mary, as mother of Jesus, is the Theotokos (Mother of God; Θεοτόκος). There is significant diversity in the Marian beliefs and devotional practices of major Christian traditions.
In this manner, What does the Bible say about praying to Mary?
While praying to Mary is not found in the Bible, the practice is common in the Roman Catholic tradition. The sentiment in Luke 11:27 is referenced in the Hail Mary, which is one of the most popular Catholic prayers. However, Jesus’ correction in verse 28 is missing from the prayer. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Accordingly, Does the Catholic Church pray to Jesus or Mary?
Answer will be: In fact, the prayers of the Mass, the central act of Catholic worship, are directed to God and Jesus, not the saints. But this does not mean that we should not also ask our fellow Christians, including those in heaven, to pray with us. Not only do those in heaven pray with us, they also pray for us.
Can I remain Catholic and not pray to Mary?
sure you can stay Catholic, and not pray to Mary, but you’d be missing out on something really special I recommend you read the book "Hail Holy Queen" by Scott Hahn ask Jesus, with an open heart, how to see His Mother…
Keeping this in view, Does the Orthodox church worship Mary, the mother of Jesus? The reply will be: The Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches believe that Mary, as mother of Jesus, is the Theotokos (Mother of God; Θεοτόκος). There is significant diversity in the Marian beliefs and devotional practices of major Christian traditions.
Similarly, What does the Bible say about praying to Mary?
Response to this: While praying to Mary is not found in the Bible, the practice is common in the Roman Catholic tradition. The sentiment in Luke 11:27 is referenced in the Hail Mary, which is one of the most popular Catholic prayers. However, Jesus’ correction in verse 28 is missing from the prayer. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Correspondingly, Does the Catholic Church pray to Jesus or Mary?
Answer will be: In fact, the prayers of the Mass, the central act of Catholic worship, are directed to God and Jesus, not the saints. But this does not mean that we should not also ask our fellow Christians, including those in heaven, to pray with us. Not only do those in heaven pray with us, they also pray for us.