Why the Church Loves Mary

Since the dawn of Christianity, those who worship Jesus have loved His mother dearly. Here's a brief introduction why! More links below:
First up, listen to this podcast. It's a couple hours long but a very useful look at the role of Jesus' mother in the grand scheme of things: www.ancientfai...
Opening 'Agni Parthene' orchestral cover used with permission from Manos Demetzos: • Αγνή Παρθένε (ορχηστρι...
Article about Mary in scripture: catalog.obitel...
Quick video intro to 'the Role of the Virgin Mary in the Orthodox Church: • The Role of the Virgin...
Bojan from ‪@BibleIllustrated‬ gives a comedic take on the same subject: • The Most Holy Mother o...
Steve from 'Be the Bee' talking with energy on the same subject: • Be the Bee # 41 | God'...
‪@JonathanPageau‬ on the symbolism of Mary as the Ark: • How Mary Relates to th...
Fr Jesse from ‪@RootsofOrthodoxy‬ discusses Mary: • How Orthodox Christian...
Follow on philosophical discussion on 'Where is the Divine Feminine' with Jonathan again: • Where is the Divine Fe...
Article on 'Do Orthodox worship Mary?' (spoiler: no): www.saintjohnc...
An article on the historical proof of Christianity's veneration of Mary: blogs.ancientf...
Finally, consider helping us make more content by supporting Patristix with a donation: ko-fi.com/patr...
Also follow us on social media for cool graphics, pictures and info:
Facebook - / patristix
Instagram - / patristixgram
Twitter - / patristix

[@Okie8T9]

The Theotokos was the first Christian. She was the first to believe her son was the Saviour. It makes total sense that she is the chief human being in our church.

[@selemonkahasu1189]

Absolutely ❤

[@glennlanham6309]

and according to St. Ephrem and St. Augustine both, completely sinless

[@leorodrigues849]

Blessed Virjin Mary Mother Of The World. Mary Help Of Christian Pray For us,Amen

[@wondewosengebremeskel5236]

The Mother of God. What else bigger than this.

[@dominique-valois]

​@@wondewosengebremeskel5236The father of god

[@Ultimateninjapig567]

I love this channel brother. I’m in the process of becoming orthodox, please pray for me and my wife and children

[@BookofAkathists]

Lord save and heal Brent, his wife, and children.

[@rtdude1]

Lord have mercy

[@watusi1971]

I will pray for you. I'm a catholic and I love our orthodox brothers and sisters in a very special way. God bless you all.

[@gadgetsandeats2325]

Praying for you and your family brother! 🙏❤️

[@travis5134]

I am attending for the first time this week. There are a lot of new things to learn about and experience and understand.

[@ryanpadgett2549]

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

[@joaopmatos7791]

Amém!

[@waterotter3625]

Hail Mary, full of grace! Punch the Devil in the face! :)

[@She-den]

Amin

[@thedreadtyger]

amin

[@BookofAkathists]

Go go go! Many Protestants sing about the blood of Jesus in dozens of songs. It helped us to realize his blood came from her. Her heart and his heart shared blood for months on end. If the hem of Christ’s garment can heal how much more healing through sharing his blood for nine months. Her womb contained the uncontainable God making it more spacious than the heavens. What an incredible and incomprehensible reality. No wonder she makes philosophers mute as fish.

[@Patristix]

That is an excellent connection! Thank you!

[@roddumlauf9241]

Wow, what a beautiful truth; Mary gifting her Son with her own blood and sharing it with Him as He grew in her Ark of the New Covenant.

[@AULIGAofBLEED]

Thank you for this Comment - and also to the channel creator for this video!

[@jB-uw8fi]

lol, you made me realize something funny. People will devote entire books to studying the bloodline of Jesus, proving he was from the tribe of Judah. But the second the bloodline hits Mary, it’s like, “NOPE!”

[@mckeojasortho]

@@BookofAkathists We hear it in the Magnificant in the Theotokis' own words: "He has shown strength with His arm: He has scattered the proud in the immagination of their hearts, He has cast down the mighty from their thrones." Luke 1:51-52. (And I might add: He has confounded and confused the wise of this earth who become as mute as fish in the presence of His holy Wisdom.)

[@orangemanbad]

Previously as a Protestant I thought the “Mary stuff” was weird. Until I realized her blood literally nourished our God. And he chose her from the beginning of time. All the death in the old testament was to preserve her for His birth. So I started praying the rosary and it has brought me so close to God.

[@mariebo7491]

I’m crying right now. As a “Protestant” dipping my toe into EO, this has been the best explanation for why Mary and you used scripture I can relate to. Thank you ❤❤❤

[@spartanastas5560]

This is only the beginning... Prepare yourself for much more. Glory to God for your courage to dip your toe.

[@lounaannajung4454]

5:40 This question was the one question that led me out of Islam into New Age Spirituality and finally to Christianity.

[@isatq2133]

Welcome. Even though it is a year after your comment. Welcome to the light and the life. God bless you.

[@joannagrimeki7415]

“Behold, your Mother!” John 19:26-27 ♥

[@vanessac.7040]

“ BEHOLD YOUR MOTHER” truly brought me to tears 😭 This video was a beautifully done! Thank You! 🥹 O Most Holy Theotokos save! ☦️💕

[@loverlei79]

Even when I was a child brought up in protestantism, I never understood the outright disrespect and hate of Mary. On a human level it didn't make sense to me. The whole idea seemed extremely wrong to me. I couldn't picture a reality where Jesus would tolerate disrespect of his mother. Just as any good son of a loving mother wouldn't tolerate it. So when I converted, having The Theotokos put in her own rights just felt warming and right.

[@WilliamDusing]

Thank you. Coming from such a heavy "protestant" background, I need more time on this topic.

[@Patristix]

No worries! There are some links in the description to a lot more info. And thanks, William, for watching the channel! I've noticed a few of your comments come up. Glad you're liking it all! For a deeper dive into Early Church practice as it looks today, and any of the episode topics, I would really recommend visiting an English-language Orthodox Liturgy (service) on a Sunday and chatting with the priest afterwards about any subjects you want to know better. God bless!

[@WilliamDusing]

@@Patristix Thank you. I'm a pastor in a non-denominational church, but the Orthodox church has really been on my heart for quite some time. This channel has been such a gift. Yes, next time I get some retreat time or a Sunday away I will be visiting an Orthodox church or monastery.

[@Patristix]

We'll have you in our prayers, pastor! God bless!

[@hamontequila1104]

@@WilliamDusingive had the same problem, remember to take things slowly and that you dont need to learn to love her overnight. God bless

[@spartanastas5560]

@@WilliamDusing Lord have mercy on you and your parish. May God guide you to the Truth safely and openly.

[@FatherAndTeacherTV]

Thank you for breaking this down. Those last words are beautiful: "Behold, your mother." ❤️☦️

[@georged.5595]

"God could have chosen any woman" but not any woman _would_ have chosen God. (Goes for men too when speaking more generally. God does choose every one of us in a way, but not every one of us chooses God).

[@Jeremy-ge6zv]

Amen ☦️ sheesh brother that one hit deep May The Grace Of Jesus Christ The Love Of Our Heavenly Father And The Fellowship Of The Holy Ghost Be With You And Your Family Forever 🙏🏼

[@Blueray93Romania]

One of the very best videos on the Theotokos. Thank you. We love our Theotokos tremendously!!!

[@neyneynanamo2071]

Is that in your avatar Saint Stephan the Great, the Romanian/Moldovian prince?

[@Blueray93Romania]

@@neyneynanamo2071 yes indeed it is.

[@neyneynanamo2071]

@@Blueray93Romania I love him so much. May I ask how you know about him? Your name sounds western.

[@Blueray93Romania]

@N. Nanamo ask whatever you want. It's an old KZbin account back from when I was younger. It's the westernised version of my romanian name. Saint Ștefan is one of my favourites, a saint and a military genius. Ask what you want :D.

[@neyneynanamo2071]

@@Blueray93Romania Oh, so you are a romanian. Domnul sa te ajute, frate!

[@haniothman6233]

Chefs' kiss Chills went through my body at the very last part. Truly great Video ❤️

[@kalebyenealem5833]

That was so beautiful! Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, intercede and pray for us!

[@GadierCasiano]

I’m not Orthodox, but I find this video very moving concerning the specialness of Mary, the mother of the Lord … Thanks. I really moves me to see her portrayed as she is in Scripture, both New and Old Testaments. Very interesting, again… thanks.

[@ayeeniko]

I like the use of Αγνή Παρθένε (O Pure Virgin) melody in the backing track, nice touch.

[@rtdude1]

Wow that was utterly beautiful. True Theotokos we magnify you.

[@Judge_Jon]

As a Catholic, but still brother in Christ, I thought the video was excellent.

[@jlynn5680]

We fly to your patronage, O holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin. ☦️

[@cherylketcherside2459]

Thank you for this simple explanation. I am a Protestant researching the early church and it’s led me to the Orthodox Church. This explanation is so helpful! I couldn’t wrap my mind around Mary.

[@georged.5595]

Great channel, brother. I love the peaceful and easy-to-understand way you explain things. The topics you choose are intriguing. Your tea collection is also really interesting, and the way you describe the flavours. But also you are one of the few channels who have subtitles, especially so early in your channel's history, and they're not auto-generated either. This is a great service for people with hearing problems, or whose mother language isn't English, and many more people. So for all this I want to thank you, I have already recommended your channel to my sister, hope to see you growing soon.

[@Patristix]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm very glad the subtitles are helpful too. God bless!

[@akinyi5368]

I've been binge watching this channel....but this is my favourite ...Mary being the topic discussed yet not truly understood by most Christians....I'd like to follow her as an example of living as a Christian

[@pennsyltuckyreb9800]

I'm Roman Catholic, but just wanted to drop this passage here out of Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) from the Latin Bible. We believe Mary to be the female representative of "Wisdom" in the Old Testament....(Verses 23-31 are the "Salve Sancta Parens").... "I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, and as a cypress tree on mount Sion. I was exalted like a palm tree in Cades, and as a rose plant in Jericho: As a fair olive tree in the plains, and as a plane tree by the water in the streets, was I exalted. I gave a sweet smell like cinnamon. and aromatical balm: I yielded a sweet odour like the best myrrh: And I perfumed my dwelling as storax, and galbanum, and onyx, and aloes, and as the frankincense not cut, and my odour is as the purest balm. I have stretched out my branches as the turpentine tree, and my branches are of honour and grace. As the vine I have brought forth a pleasant odour: and my flowers are the fruit of honour and riches. I am the mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth, in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come over to me, all ye that desire me, and be filled with my fruits. For my spirit is sweet above honey, and my inheritance above honey and the honeycomb. My memory is unto everlasting generations. They that eat me, shall yet hunger: and they that drink me, shall yet thirst. He that hearkeneth to me, shall not be confounded: and they that work by me, shall not sin. They that explain me shall have life everlasting. All these things are the book of life, and the covenant of the most High, and the knowledge of truth. Moses commanded a law in the precepts of justices, and an inheritance to the house of Jacob, and the promises to Israel. He appointed to David his servant to raise up of him a MOST MIGHTY KING, and sitting on the throne of glory for ever." ~ Ecclesiasticus 24:17-34

[@phoenixshadow6633]

Only one woman was chosen to hold infinity from conception to birth. The priest or bishop at any given time hold infinity for a few minutes at best.

[@sigurdholbarki8268]

Every time I hear those last words it hits me so hard and so profoundly, thank you from the bottom of my heart

[@lisamaree7395]

I loved this! Thankyou. I grew up in Pentecostalisim and learned a scandal of honouring Mary unfortunately but I had a beautiful encounter with her in the cloud of witnesses in my meditations one day💙 And I do draw on that often even now. I think the 2nd Eve is the Bride- the Church.

[@joserodriguez537]

"Behold your Mother" yeah I'm not crying

[@mrsnkg7904]

Love the Celtic flavoured Agni Parthene @ the beginning 😆. 💖🙏➕

[@dravenocklost4253]

Fulton J Sheen helped hold the tiny ember of my faith alight as i searched for the True Church. God Bless him and have mercy on him.

[@mik569]

O Virgin Theotokos, rejoice; O Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, for thou hast borne the Saviour of our souls. ☦️🙏🕯️🕊️

[@shanekahrs4776]

Thanks for this video! Im a protestant and i love hearing an honest heartfelt explanation. Iv been considering converting to the Orthodox Church for a while but this topic and a few others concern me. Not deeply, but enough to give me pause. Keep doing what your doing! I appreciate it so much sir. May God bless you and bless others through you!

[@Patristix]

Thank you for watching, and may God bless your journey! Would definitely recommend taking all your concerns to your priest, and chatting them through openly. This, and attending the liturgy and services, are the most helpful things in learning about Orthodoxy and the Early Church! We can introduce what the Early Church taught, but to live it is what matters. All the best!

[@lindaphillips4646]

It will all make sense. It will all fall into place. It will ease your fears.. and give you a love and understanding you have never had before..☦☦

[@travis5134]

I feel the same and will be attending for the first time this week. I have researched it a lot and understand it but it is new to me.

[@wareaglejf]

Update?

[@mothmanprophet11]

Love the violin Agni Parthene intro.

[@Patristix]

It's nice isn't it! You can hear the whole thing here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWSunGCDgLR4d68

[@cozzwozzle]

The extremely important and misunderstood reality of the Theotokos. God bless you.

[@AL-wn2tt]

Ive a story about Mary . We were goinv through the process of adopting a child from Russia. Everything went wrong , so badly i decided it was not Gods will . I had 2 kids and was about to give up. Two things happened the push to adopt the child did not go away. The second was I prayed the rosary . I didnt really like the rosary and found it boring and repetitive. As i was walking the road praying the rosary , grumbling that it was too repetitive. I noticed a robin singing the same few notes over and over again . God seemed to say look how this little bird sings the same tune yet gives glory to me. The day we picked up our toddler , the doctor from the orphanage said this is a special day in Russia it is the feast day of the Protection of the Mother of God.

[@93PShanice]

Wow, great video and incredible ending, had me at a loss for words and teary eyed. From a recent Catholic convert, I love your videos and your channel. Thank you for the work you are doing and God bless!

[@YaHa-16-02]

Can't get over how awesome this channel is. How is this not the best format for online catechism?

[@simonherland4081]

I can tell you made this video with so much love. The Love for the Theotokos shines through so clearly. Well made, my brother!

[@martyrrt]

I love this video. I love OUR Mother. ❤❤❤

[@Jpietrantoni]

The end was epic, "behold your Mother" ❤❤❤

[@ragnardanneskajold1880]

Not only did God choose Her- it was His WILL that created Her for this specific purpose and from His Son, would receive all of His humanity.

[@yohannesatakelti8286]

Another lovely episode. I don't know how but you make me cry every time. May the mother of God hear our prayers and may she beg for our forgiveness in her full sainthood.

[@mariaaiello8184]

Great breakdown and explanation! Thank you!✝️🕊️🙏❤️

[@NavelOrangeGazer]

"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever." - Luke 1:26-55

[@henridib7222]

I was reading about this yesterday in The Orthodox Church, love to see it. God bless you

[@anthonycastan524]

I'm struggling to fall in love with Mary. I pray the rosary, but I'm trying to figure out how to Love, in general, so I can one day be a disciple like you said and see Mary as my mother too. Thank you for this video, it touched my heart (soul).

[@Smackyjack440]

Why are you praying the rosary? Are you Catholic?

[@nomikoskardoulias4543]

This was beautiful! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! God bless you

[@jean-marcraad3350]

Thank you sooo much this video helped a lot may the Lord bless you and be with you

[@henridib7222]

What an amazing and touching video, beautiful.

[@billlee2194]

What a wonderful series. Thanks for putting these videos all together

[@Patristix]

A pleasure! Thank you for watching

[@annenewton5403]

Gosh , thank you from England, thank you so much for explaining to us . Having only found you this morning I am in awe of what I am hearing as a cradle Baptist.

[@mckeojasortho]

between 250-280 a prayer in Egypt written in Greek on papyrus. ".Under your mercy we take refuge, O Mother of God. Do not despise our prayers in necessity, but from the danger deliver us, only pure, only blessed one" She listens to our prayers offered in sincerity. We only need to pray in faith to Her who said "Be it done unto me according to thy word." Amen, Amen, Amen!

[@christophersalinas2722]

Another version goes: We fly to thy patronage, O Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us from all dangers, O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.

[@ShakletonStudios]

That ending legitly brought me to tears. 😭 So incredibly beautiful.

[@kojo5928]

That ending was sublime!

[@Meritam-r8u]

What can we say without thanking her son to gave us his mother❤.am from Ethiopia the protestant think like we are worshipping her. This is awful they don't even know what they're missing

[@leightonjack9879]

Beautiful and helpful video. Thank you.

[@krystlesnook9424]

I’ve been watching all of your videos and I love every one of them. This one by far is my most favourite! Especially the last 20-30 seconds. Just wow 🥹 ♥️☦️👸🏻 Queen of heaven, of our hearts.

[@vitzbig]

the scenario is top notch, man. Can you bring more videos analyzing icons?

[@Patristix]

Aiming to, yes!

[@pmajudge]

😇 HAIL MARY , FULL OF GRACE !!!! 💯💖💖👋👋👍👍!!!! THANK YOU . FROM, U.K. (2024).

[@Ritter080887]

Богоро́дице Де́во, ра́дуйся, Благода́тная Мари́е, Госпо́дь с Тобо́ю, благослове́нна Ты́ в жена́х, и благослове́н пло́д чре́ва Твоего́, я́ко Спа́са родила́ еси́ ду́ш на́ших.

[@magicstuff505]

This account is such a blessing! Thank you so much for these videos. It’s so great having all of these difficult topics broken down in such a simple manner.

[@seanharris2463]

Guys I love the most blesssed Theotokos so much :')

[@alisterwahab4300]

Hail Virgin Theotokos, Mary full of grace, The Lord is with thee, Blessed art thou amongst women, And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, For thou hast given birth to the Saviour of our Souls. Amen.

[@hopepetipren7126]

Thank you Stephan, This was beautiful. Also, I loved the floral graphics. Very nicely done 👍 You guys make me smile 🙂

[@Terri7665]

So beautiful! ❤🙏

[@travis5134]

Thank you so much for making this. As someone looking to convert this is a topic that I have struggled with and this is by far the best explanation I have heard. I understand the concept but it is new and a highly debated subject. I have researched it and this video makes it more comfortable for me.

[@ritatouma2534]

I newly discovered your channel brother and I love it I thank you for all the explanations and I will watch all your videos I am a Greek Orthodox Fran Lebanon a small country in the Middle East

[@Patristix]

God bless!

[@Orthodoxy.Memorize.Scripture]

Great channel.

[@fernandorees1]

Beautiful video, thank you so much. Pleasant to watch, informative and perfect length.

[@Eric-e3t4o]

Very eloquent, hard to argue with.

[@phillipbingham487]

Love this ❤

[@Orthodoxyandzataar]

All these videos make me cry😭😭

[@sakyqueen]

Cried!!! This was beautiful!!! Thank you for helping me understand

[@Lucas-dn7sr]

This video is amazing! 🇧🇷 here!

[@HaruAritomo]

beautiful!

[@BlessThisPlanet]

Wow… you said this so absolutely beautifully. ❤❤❤

[@jonahanderson9101]

Love your channel brother

[@Patristix]

Appreciate that! Thank you!

[@MatejXOXO]

Beautifully said.

[@dopeariz1020]

Thank you for sharing.😺✨

[@michaelblue8430]

Beautiful

[@noeljbass]

beautiful

[@briandunleamusic]

That was absolutely beautiful.

[@JamesMasterPlaster]

Very very nice my friend ☦️☦️

[@trevorrogers89]

This is excellent! Thank u for this

[@1Andelina1]

Beautiful🙏♥️

[@SandyRoot]

Very helpful, thank you!!

[@lisamaree7395]

You’re an orthodox mystic, bro! 😭☺️

[@alexanderreichenfeld6859]

was having such a sentimental moment listening to this until 7:19 “maybe she is exactly like your mother, but look at the difference in the sons” and i can still feel that burn 800 years later 😩😂

[@HomoEucharistica]

As a student of archaeology cultural anthropology, I didn't ever see the role of Holy Theotokos to be problematic even when I was non-Orthodox (because I was able to see it in its cultural context). But one realization that was revolutionary to me was to understand that Mary has very similar role in the kingdom of Heaven than queen Esther had in the kingdom of Persia... just like Esther prayed her husband for her people (Jews), also Mary prays for the salvation of Christians and all people without loosing heart. And as told in this video, Mary is much more than Esther - she is the Mother of the King.

[@Patristix]

Beautifully put, thank you!

[@WBLumpkin87]

As a Protestant I think that we should respect Mary as the human mother of our Lord chosen by God and that she should be called “blessed” as scripture states.. however, it’s very difficult to buy into the full Catholic and Orthodox view of Mary in light of verses such as Matthew 12:46-50. The Lord had a great opportunity to establish you guys’ doctrine here and He didn’t. And you say that you don’t “worship” her but that you do love, revere, pray to and spend time with her.. so what is your definition of worship?

[@Patristix]

Your comment is well made, thank you. In regards to the verses in Matthew, the Orthodox DO in fact see that as an opportunity to establish our doctrine. “Whoever does the will of God…”, and what is the consistent thing we hear about Mary if not that she always does the will of God. A similarly brought up section is Luke 11:27-28 (blessed is the womb that bore You) and yet those exact verses are listed in our lectionary to be read out on every single Marian festival in the same understanding as before. So when it comes to Bible verses, it’s clearly a matter of a different understanding between Orthodox and Protestants and the question to follow is which is accurate. Your second question of defining worship is EXCELLENT and does not get asked enough! The Protestant question is “why do Orthodox worship Mary?”, the Eastern Orthodox question is “why do the Protestants only venerate God?”. The answer to something as deep as this, and to define the ancient Orthodox understanding of worship is more than we can satisfactorily give on this channel. I’d definitely recommend visiting an Orthodox Church and discussing this through with a priest because it’s a paradigm shift. Meanwhile we are working on editing a longer video about the Theotokos, presented by a priest friend of ours. When it is up online, I’ll drop the link here too. 
May God bless you in your journey!

[@WBLumpkin87]

Thank you for the response. I love studying the history and doctrines of our faith. Recently I have been revisiting the views of Catholics and Orthodox to better understand where we can all be more unified, goodness knows we need it. Anyways, really enjoy the channel content and learning about Orthodox views. Thanks again

[@tesojesjohnkilty871]

​@WBLumpkin87 The Catholic and Orthodox Churches are the most ancient churches and churches that have teaching that resemble the Early Christians and Apostles the most, everything we believe is based off Scripture and Ancient Christian tradition, if you have a question about a doctrine, pls don't be quick to dismis or judge, but rather ask a question in good faith and study it. Many Protestants have left Protestantinism for the Apostolic Churches because of it. May God guide you and God Bless 🙏

[@HomoEucharistica]

Regarding "worship", Father Andrew Stephen Damick captures it very well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3qxZoquZ8-Egdksi=wzc4dZqLX2Uh_g2u... Basically, worshipping is about sacrifices (cf. Romans 12:1) and offerings. We love Mary as our own mother and venerate her as the mother of the King, but we do not commit ourselves to her nor give her sacrifices.

[@Xhopp3r]

I came to watch this video at my wife's recommendation. She is orthodox. Although I was raised orthodox, I am not orthodox now. For many reasons. I admit that the video was beatifully done, however, it grossly misinterprets the verses provided within. Psalm 45 is about the marriage of the Lamb. The bride of Lord Jesus, The Christ, is the queen from Psalms 45. The bride is the church. Revelation 19:7-9 ESV - Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”- for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” I agree that Mary is a special woman. While on earth, she was a pure woman. She loved God with all of her heart. Because of her pure heart, God picked her to be the vessel through which He incarnated. Because of that she is called blessed. She deserves respect, but not worship. The bible never calls Mary the mother of God. She couldn't be, since He was before her. The bible says she was the mother of Jesus. That means she was the mother of his flesh, not of His spirit. Lord Jesus was God in spirit, and human in flesh. I would never go out of my way to talk bad about her, as I have heard others, but I would also not worship her. Worship belongs to God only. Anything or anyone else is called idolatry. I would certainly not pray to her or any saint as that is necromancy. Besides, there is only one mediator between God and us. That mediator is Lord Jesus Christ.

[@Patristix]

Hello and thanks for the comment. Sorry for any difficulties you have with Orthodoxy, or for the misrepresentations of our faith you may have experienced. I say misrepresentations as we largely agree with the core of what you are saying. Your interpretations of Psalm 45 and of Revelation 19 are correct. The Early Church didn’t tend to read one single meaning into a text but believed the scriptures to be layered with truths and connections. So while we are in agreement with your interpretations completely, Orthodoxy would not restrict the verses interpretation to only that interpretation. Please watch our video on “Theotokos - Mother of God” for a look at the title and why we have to use it. It is a Christological title not a Marian devotional title. It is in reference to the divinity of Christ and the humanity of Christ in hypostatic union. Video link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH3UqIilr6aqjs0 Please watch our video on “Talking to Saints”. You are completely correct, worship belongs to God alone and worshipping anyone else would be idolatry. Video link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXTUpH-MlMasf9E You are right, there is only one Mediator between God and us. Further links for research can be found in the descriptions of videos across this channel. God bless!

[@TheMhouk2]

In the gospel of luke - "who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" Mater dei - Mother of my Lord, Mother of God, right there. Orthodox do not worship Mary, and the function of Mediator is not the same as someone who prays as an intercessor. Logically, it would follow that if you've ever prayed for someone, you're getting in the way of Jesus as mediator, which falls down as an argument, as the scriptures exhort mutual prayer for one another. Also worship, ultimately, is tied to sacrifice - and we only offer the sacrifice of melchizedek to God, not to the theotokos or any other saint.

[@Xhopp3r]

@@TheMhouk2 I get the loophole. Because you think the saints are not dead, but rather are alive in heaven, you can now ask them to pray for you. However, when Lord Jesus was on earth, He didn't ask Moses, or Elisha, or Elijah, or Enoch, or Jeremiah, or any of the saints that had gone to be with God prior to the birth of our saviour, on earth. Instead, He always went to the Father. When He performed miracles, He prayed to His Father. He didn't ask all the dead people to go to the Father to ask Him to perform the miracles, and then also prayed to The Father. No, He did not. He did tell the apostles that were alive then to pray, but never asked the dead saints. We also don't see the apostles doing that. The apostles did the same thing as Lord Jesus. They asked different saints from different churches that were alive at the time, to pray for them, but they never asked the saints that passed away from this earth. If you think it is ok to ask dead people to intercede for you, go ahead. I think that's playing with fire, because you're playing with interpretations. I go by the examples set by Lord Jesus. It also shows unbelief that just asking Lord Jesus is enough.

[@orthodoxbasics]

@@Xhopp3r yes, although it is true that Jesus didn't pray to any saints and didn't firsthand learned His followers to pray to the saint's you are missing some crucial "details". You forgot that at His Transfiguration Moses and Elijah appeared to Him and Peter, John and James. Secondly, He spoke about the bossom of Abraham in His story about Lazarus and the rich man. And thirdly, what was the whole point of His incarnation? To die for our sins, surely. But also to give those who already were in the grave (Hades) life. And He did, like we can read from the letters of Peter and Paul. The reason that the Apostles and the Jews didn't pray to the "dead" was because the resurrection of our Lord didn't take place yet. But after He accomplished His mission, the "rules" changed

[@wouspor1804]

Oh Theotokos, please pray for me.

[@jB-uw8fi]

I realized the other day that many Protestant denominations, if they were transported back in time, they would take one look at the Israelites and accuse them of idol worship for the reverence they displayed towards the Ark of the Covenant.

[@ericnelson3021]

Amen Amen Amen

[@boredhi3454]

I reallu love your videos can you tell me the background music from 2:11

[@OliviaGoodwin-w7i]

What is the song in the intro? I know I’ve heard it in Greek but I loved the instrumental!

[@Patristix]

It's a rendition of Agni Parthene, a hymn to the Theotokos by Saint Nectarios of Aegina. It's a BEAUTIFUL song!

[@NTSweetman]

May I ask - we are called into the likeness of Christ (excuse my phrasing, please understand what I mean), both male and female. Why aren’t we or our sisters encouraged to become like Mary?

[@Patristix]

We are! Our lady, and the saints, are examples of people who are Christlike. We are called to the likeness of Christ, and given examples of people who lived that way. Mary is the best example of someone that 'heard the word of God and kept it'. Her simple and deep faith is a perfect example of a human being completely trusting in Christ. We are also encouraged to have the faith of Paul, the courage of Peter, and to aim at the good Christlike qualities shown by the friends of Jesus in the Bible, through history, and in our lives today.

[@mckeojasortho]

We are called to become like the Theotokis in that we give birth to the Son of God to those we encounter in our daily lives while we have breath.

[@STMukr]

Радуйся Невеста Неневестная ❤🙏☦

[@tommasocianti9308]

Santa Madre di Dio proteggimi☦️☦️☦️