Why the Orthodox Church emphasizes the role of Mary.
A key passage in the New Testament is from Luke 1:26-49.
The Archangel Gabriel calls the Virgin Mary “highly favored” by God (Luke 1:28) and the most “blessed” of all women (Luke 1:42). We do the same.
In Luke 1:42, 43, Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, calls Mary “blessed” and “the mother of my Lord.” We make the same confession.
For centuries, the Church with one voice has called Mary the Mother of God. By “mother of God” we do not mean that she is the mother of the Holy Trinity; she is the mother of the eternal Son of God; she is the Theotokos or God-bearer.
Not only does Elizabeth call her blessed, Mary herself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, predicts, “All generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:48). This biblical prophecy explains the Orthodox hymn, “It is truly right to bless you, O Theotokos, the Mother of our God.” As Orthodox Christians we bless her in obedience to God, fulfilling His holy words.
Mary’s identity as the Mother of God protects the identity of her holy Son, “the Son of the Highest” (Luke 1:32), God incarnate. We do not worship Mary, worship is reserved only for God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We honor, bless, and venerate her, as the Scriptures teach.
Written by V. Rev. Father Peter Guillquist