The Role of Mary in Orthodox Christianity

The Bridge Between Heaven And Earth

During the afterfeast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, Fr. John reflects on the mystery that is Mary.

Mary: Image of What We Can Be (Mt 19:16-26; Lk 10:38-42; 11:27-28)

The readings presented by the Church on this day remind us of the most fundamental teachings about what we believe and who we are called to be as Christians. As we celebrate the Falling Asleep of the Mother of God, Fr Tom tells us that the Virgin Mary is the one who embodies hearing and keeping those most basic teachings. (Dormition of the Mother of God, Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost)

Dormition of the Theotokos

On August 15, the Church celebrates the Dormition of the Mother of God. Fr.Tom explores the theology associated with this Feast and the implications on our own resurrection.

Holy Tradition and the Most-Holy Theotokos

Frederica gives a lecture at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Santa Barbara, CA on Orthodox Tradition concerning the Theotokos.

The Lost Gospel of Mary

Frederica speaks at Truro Anglican Church in Fairfax, Virginia, about her book The Lost Gospel of Mary.

Remembering the Mother of God: St. Cyril on the Theotokos and the Incarnation

In this season of Christ’s incarnate coming in the flesh, we take a moment to reflect, through the words of St. Cyril of Alexandria, on the role of the Virgin Theotokos in the nativity of the true God, Jesus Christ.

The Entrance of the Theotokos Into the Temple

Fr. Tom teaches on this significant feast at the beginning of the Nativity season.

The Protecting Veil Of The Holy Theotokos

Whether you celebrate it on October 1 or on October 28 (traditions differ), you will enjoy Fr. Thomas' account of how the Mother of God protected a Constantinople church from an invading army, and how that inspires our own worship.

Tender Love and the Dormition

Imagine the blessed Theotokos in old age being cared for by St. John the Evangelist. That is the image Frederica beautifully portrays for us in today's podcast for the Feast of the Dormition. Read more of her thoughts on the Virgin Mary in her newest book The Lost Gospel of Mary.

Dormition of the Theotokos

Fr. Wilbur Ellsworth from Holy Transfiguration Antiochian Orthodox Church in Warrenville, IL speaks about the Dormition of the Theotokos.

The Magnificat - What It Means To Be Poor

Fr. Thomas speaks to the clergy and wives at the 2009 Antiochian Parish Life Conference - Diocese of Los Angeles and the West in June 2009. His theme for the conference is The Poor and in this opening lecture, he takes us to the song of the Theotokos for a model of what it means to be poor. Our thanks to Chad Harris for the recordings.

Commentary on the Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos

Last week we enjoyed Frederica's beautiful reading of the St. Romanos Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos. This week we have a special treat. In an extended edition of Frederica Here and Now, Frederica gives us a line by line commentary on the hymn taken from her book, "Lost Gospel of Mary".

Most Holy Theotokos, Save Us

Dcn. Michael explains why we ask for the intercessions of the Saints and why we ask Mary to "save us."

Mary, the Theotokos

An initial stumbling block to Dcn. Michael's own conversion, the word "Theotokos" literally means "God-bearer." In this episode, Dcn. Michael discusses the development of the word and its uses in the Church throughout history.

Ever Virgin

Dcn. Michael addresses the ever-virginity of Mary.

Snapshots of Mary

Dcn. Michael Hyatt examines Mary at different points in Scripture to help us come to grips with her amazing example of obedience.

Mary—The Annunciation

Dn. Michael discusses Mary's role as the first Christian, as well as her obedience to God upon receiving the shocking announcement that she would bear a child without knowing a man.

Encounters with Mary

Frederica explains how she learned to stop doubting and trust the Theotokos.

The Role of Mary in the Church

interview Fr. Nicholas Apostola, Pastor of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts on the role of Mary in the Orthodox Church. This is a continuation of the previous episode on the theme of the Orthodox and the Virgin Mary.

St Jacob of Serug: The Theotokos and the Archangel

This week, we consider the testimony of St Jacob on the dialogue between the Mother of God and the Archangel Gabriel, as he draws a parallel and contrast to the dialogue between Eve and the serpent in Eden.

Mary worship?

In this episode I ask the question "Do Orthodox Christians worship the Virgin Mary?"

Homily on the Presentation of the Theotokos

Fr. Wilbur Ellsworth from Holy Transfiguration Antiochian Orthodox Church in Warrenville, IL.

Encountering Mary, Part Eight

This is the final program of the three part series on Mary from our audio archives of our live program on KPXQ Phoenix. In this program we discuss several misconceptions about Mary and her place within the Christian Church through the ages.

Encountering Mary, Part Seven

In part seven of "Encountering Mary" we are posting the second program from our live broadcast done in December, 2004 on KPXQ in Phoenix, AZ taken from our audio archives. In this program we continue the discussion of the Church's teachings regarding the perpetual virginity of Mary.

Encountering Mary, Part Six

We continue the series on Encountering Mary with several programs from our Audio Archives from past programs recorded from our live broadcasts at KPXQ 1360 in Phoenix, AZ. In the next three programs we deal with the Perpetual Virginity of Mary.

Encountering Mary, Part Five

In the final program of the series on "Encountering Mary", we deal with some of the hymnography and prayers that are a "brick wall" to many Evangelicals. We discuss several prayers in which Mary seems to be given attributes of deity or usurps the work of Christ in the life of the Christian. But, when we go to the Scriptures we see that the hymnography of the Church is rooted in the Bible and biblical typology and scriptural language in a way that even modern Protestants sometimes use in their devotional lives, practice and hymns.

The Nativity Of Mary, Mother Of The Healing Christ

Through her trust and obedience, Mary-- the new Eve-- brings the healing Christ into the world.

The Theotokos and the Church Year

Clark wishes everyone a happy new (Church) year by exploring the importance of the Church cycle and the significance of the Theotokos.

The Church’s Teaching on Mary

Saturday morning began with a Bible study taught by Fr. Dan Suciu on the teaching of the Church about Mary

Encountering Mary, Part Four

In this program we continue the discussion of the early Church's interpretation of Scripture and the typology that points to both the birth of Christ and His birth giver. The hymnography of the Church both praises Mary for her faith and obedience but also explicates the Scriptures and teaches us about the dogma of the person of Christ, our relationship to God, Christ, Mary and all the saints.

Encountering Mary, Part Three

In Part Three of the series on Mary, Steve and Bill tackle some listener feedback and questions about Mary, veneration, worship and children. In the second half of the program they discuss the early second century Fathers of the Church and the universality of the doctrine of Mary as the second Eve which is evidence of the Church's early embracing of Mary and the development of an understanding of her importance in the history of our salvation in Christ.

Encountering Mary, Part Two

In Part Two of our series on dealing with "Mary issues", the tardiloquent and equipotent Steve and Bill talk more about "the culture of the Kingdom" , the language of the Church, and the development of the Marian doctrines in Church history.

Encountering Mary, Part One

In response to several panicked emails from listeners who attended their first Orthodox services and came face to face with the Church's piety regarding Mary, we begin a series on "Encountering Mary". In the first program we read a typical email and discuss several misconceptions, misperceptions and offer some perspectives that will help someone see the Orthodox devotion to Mary in a Biblical and balanced way.

The Theotokos:  A Thanksgiving Meditation

Today during Thanksgiving week and the feast of the Presentation of the Theotokos into the Temple, Clark reflects on the Living Temple through which God Himself comes to dwell among His people.

Who is the Theotokos (Part 3-4)

Part 3-4 of a three-part lecture series delivered at the Northern California Antiochian Diocesan Women's Retreat, November 9-11 2007 at the San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville, CA.

Who is the Theotokos (Part 3-3)

Part 3-3 of a three-part lecture series delivered at the Northern California Antiochian Diocesan Women's Retreat, November 9-11 2007 at the San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville, CA.

Who is the Theotokos (Part 3-2)

Part 3-2 of a three-part lecture series delivered at the Northern California Antiochian Diocesan Women's Retreat, November 9-11 2007 at the San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville, CA.

Who is the Theotokos (Part 3-1)

Part 3-1 of a three-part lecture series delivered at the Northern California Antiochian Diocesan Women's Retreat, November 9-11 2007 at the San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville, CA.

Who is the Theotokos (Part 2-4)

Part 2-4 of a three-part lecture series delivered at the Northern California Antiochian Diocesan Women's Retreat, November 9-11 2007 at the San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville, CA.

Who is the Theotokos (Part 2-3)

Part 2-3 of a three-part lecture series delivered at the Northern California Antiochian Diocesan Women's Retreat, November 9-11 2007 at the San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville, CA.

Who is the Theotokos (Part 2-2)

Part 2-2 of a three-part lecture series delivered at the Northern California Antiochian Diocesan Women's Retreat, November 9-11 2007 at the San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville, CA.

Who is the Theotokos (Part 2-1)

Part 2-1 of a three-part lecture series delivered at the Northern California Antiochian Diocesan Women's Retreat, November 9-11 2007 at the San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville, CA.

Who is the Theotokos (Part 1-2)

Part 1-2 of a three-part lecture series delivered at the Northern California Antiochian Diocesan Women's Retreat, November 9-11 2007 at the San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville, CA.

Who is the Theotokos (Part 1-1)

Part 1-1 of a three-part lecture series delivered at the Northern California Antiochian Diocesan Women's Retreat, November 9-11 2007 at the San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville, CA.

The Veneration of Mary and the Saints in the Holy Tradition

Today we’re going to be talking about the veneration of Mary and the Saints in the Holy Tradition. This topic is often misunderstood and can be a stumbling block for inquirers. Our guest is Father Patrick Henry Reardon, Pastor of All Saints Antiochian Orthodox Church in Chicago, Illinois, Sr. Editor of Touchstone Magazine and author of "Christ in the Saints".

The Virgin Mary and the Saints

The Rev. Gregory Hogg - Formerly with Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, Fr. Gregory is now the priest at Holy Cross Antiochian Orthodox Mission in Dorr, MI

Everything Mary

Matushka Jenny Schroedel about her book.

Understanding The Virgin Mary - Part 3

The Virgin Mary

Understanding The Virgin Mary - Part 2

Understanding The Virgin Mary - Part 1