St. Mary: Insights from Orthodox Christianity

St. Mary, the Mother of God, is one of the most important figures in Orthodox Christianity. She is revered as the Theotokos, or "God-bearer," and she has remained a virgin throughout her life. She is also believed to have been taken up body and soul into heaven after her death.

The Orthodox Church has a long and rich tradition of venerating Mary. This veneration is based on the biblical teachings about Mary, as well as on the writings of the Church Fathers. In the Bible, Mary is called the "Mother of God" (Theotokos) in the Gospel of Luke (1:43). She is also praised for her faith, obedience, and humility. The Church Fathers, such as St. Jerome and St. Augustine, also wrote extensively about Mary's role in salvation history.

The Orthodox Church believes that Mary is a powerful intercessor for her people. They pray to her to ask for her help and guidance. They also believe that she can pray to God on their behalf. This belief is based on the biblical passage in which Mary says to Elizabeth, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed" (Luke 1:46-48, John 2:1).

The Dormition fast is a period of fasting and prayer that is observed by the Orthodox Church in commemoration of the Dormition (falling asleep) of Mary. The Dormition fast typically lasts for 16 days, and it begins on August/ Nehassie 1. The fast is a time for Christians to reflect on Mary's life and her role in salvation history. It is also a time to pray for her intercession.

The veneration of Mary, the intercession of Mary, and the Dormition fast are all important aspects of Orthodox Christian tradition. These practices are based on biblical teachings and the writings of the Church Fathers. They help Orthodox Christians to express their love and devotion to Mary, and they also help them to remember her role in salvation history.

Here are some specific biblical teachings and Church Fathers' writings that support the Orthodox Church's veneration of Mary, her intercession, and the Dormition fast:

Biblical teachings:

The Bible calls Mary the "Mother of God" (Theotokos) in the Gospel of Luke (1:43).

The Bible praises Mary for her faith, obedience, and humility (Luke 1:38, 46-48).

The Bible says that Mary will be blessed for all generations (Luke 1:48).

Church Fathers' writings:

St. Jerome wrote that Mary is "the Mother of God" and that she "deserves all honor and praise."

St. Augustine wrote that Mary is "the most blessed of all women" and that she is "our advocate and intercessor with God."

The Council of Ephesus (431 AD) declared that Mary is the "Theotokos," or "God-bearer."

In conclusion, Orthodox Christians venerate Mary, her intercession, and the Dormition fast based on biblical teachings and Church Fathers' writings. These practices show love and devotion, reminding them of her role in salvation.