Lessons of Orthodoxy: the Theotokos. What's this? Is he needed?

2024 Author: Miguel Ramacey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 06:11

In Orthodoxy, the Virgin Mary is especially revered. It is believed that with her miraculous prayers to the Lord, the Most Holy Theotokos will save all Christians living on Earth.

Her image is depicted in many icons. On many of them, the saint is depicted with the baby Jesus in her arms. The mere miracle of the immaculate conception of a girl already makes us believe in the great power of God's providence. The life of Mary is an example of meekness, humility for each of us.

Help of the Mother of God

Many Orthodox celebrate the miraculous power of the Mother of God. She saves and protects believers.

• Virgin Mary is the patroness of all mothers.
• She is able to cure various ailments, including infertility.
• It is generally accepted that the image of the Mother of God saves believers from civil strife and wars.
• Virgin Mary promotes resolution in childbirth, teaching, raising children.

Probably, there is no situation when the Blessed Virgin Mary would not help Orthodox Christians.

Appeal to the Virgin Mary - Theotokos. What is this?

How does the saint help believers? In the prayer book there is a special section of appeals to the Virgin. He wearsthe name "Mother of God". It is a collection of all prayers to the Blessed Mother of God. They are used to resolve problems in any life situation, from pregnancy and childbirth to the commemoration of the dead.

So, why is the prayer appeal to the Virgin Mary called the Mother of God? What is this?

The Mother of God is included in the mandatory reading of the liturgy (morning service). The appeal to the Blessed Virgin during the great Orthodox holidays is especially revered. It is believed that with her prayers, the Mother of God protects all Christian churches and cathedrals and brings grace to believers.

The Holy Fathers noted that prayers addressed specifically to the Virgin Mary have special power. Therefore, it was decided to generalize them with the name of the Mother of God to indicate their great status. Currently, the meaning of the word has changed somewhat. Many ministers of temples call this definition simply an appeal to the Blessed Virgin.

How to read the Mother of God

The main prayer to the Virgin Mary is "Most Holy Theotokos, save us." It is customary to read it in all life situations. This prayer gives salvation in case of danger and protection in good luck.

The Theotokos is read during the liturgy after the Our Father. Its text is repeated at the same time in the amount of 33 times. Then the main appeal to the Mother of God is made at the beginning of each part of the service.

Prayer before the sacrament of communion has a special power. It is believed that it is during this period that the grace of God is imposed on the Christian. Whattheotokos before communion? The appeal to the Virgin Mary before the holy sacrament allows you to open the soul of the believer to God and forgive all his sins.

The power of prayer

The biography of a saint is considered an example for all Orthodox. Even during the life of the Mother of God, a prayer appeal to her saved believers from adversity and troubles. In the period after her death and to this day, the great Virgin Mary has not ceased to patronize Christians.

Almost every believer notes her help in the most difficult situations.

The Most Pure Virgin showed her love for the Orthodox more than once in the form of myrrh-streaming icons, miraculous healing from the belt of the Virgin, manifestations of grace during the celebration of Christmas, the Assumption and entering the temple.

Will the Mother of God help

Many skeptics argue that a prayer appeal to a saint is nothing more than just programming one's thoughts and actions for certain actions. Their result will not be help from the Mother of God, but the logical outcome of their work. However, the holy fathers note that such a judgment is so superficial that it is not even taken into account. Help for Christians in prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary has been provided for over 2000 years. Such a duration of miraculous phenomena and millions of grateful Christians are the best proof of the power and influence of prayer.

Reading the Mother of God at home

An Orthodox Christian does not have to constantly attend church services. You can make home prayers. They are usually made in the morningafter waking up and before going to bed.

Homemade Mother of God - what is it? Every Orthodox person in the place of residence should be equipped with a special corner for turning to God. Its central place is occupied by icons (of the Savior, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Fathers).

Here you can pray to the Lord. In the same corner, the Mother of God is read. A burning candle or lamp placed next to the icons can also serve as a symbol of faith. It is customary to turn to the Virgin Mary in prayer for yourself and your loved ones, also for the already deceased Orthodox Christians.

And yet the Mother of God - what is it? This is a prayer that can help and provide any help to those who ask. Turning to the Holy Virgin Mary through the Mother of God is one of the best ways to cleanse the Christian soul.