The Coptic Orthodox Church has always held St. Mary, the Blessed Virgin, in the highest esteem, venerating her as the Theotokos, the Mother of God. This title, bestowed upon her by the Third Ecumenical Council in Ephesus in 431 AD, affirms her unique role in the salvation of humanity. As the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, she is revered for her unwavering faith, her unshakeable trust in God's promises, and her unrelenting obedience to His will.
As St. Cyril of Alexandria, a prominent figure in the Coptic Orthodox tradition, writes, 'It was not the flesh that was taken from Adam, but the flesh that was taken from the Virgin, that was made the source of our salvation.' This profound statement underscores the significance of St. Mary's role in the economy of salvation, highlighting her cooperation with God's plan to redeem humanity from the bondage of sin.
In the Gospel of St. Luke, we find the narrative of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel appears to St. Mary, announcing that she will bear a son, Jesus, who will be the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:32). St. Mary's response, 'Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word' (Luke 1:38), exemplifies her humility, her willingness to surrender to God's will, and her trust in His providence.
The Coptic Orthodox Church commemorates the Dormition of St. Mary on the 21st of Tubah, a feast that celebrates her departure from this life and her assumption into heaven. This feast is a testament to the Church's devotion to St. Mary, recognizing her as a model of faith, a pillar of strength, and an intercessor on behalf of the faithful.
As we reflect on the life and legacy of St. Mary, we are reminded of the importance of emulating her virtues, particularly her faith, obedience, and humility. As St. Paul writes in his Epistle to the Hebrews, 'Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen' (Hebrews 11:1). St. Mary's faith, though tested and tried, remained unwavering, a beacon of hope in the face of uncertainty.
In the words of Pope Shenouda III, 'The Virgin Mary is the mother of all Christians, and her intercession is sought by all the faithful.' As we seek her intercession, we are reminded of the power of prayer, the importance of humility, and the necessity of faith in our lives. May we, like St. Mary, strive to be faithful servants of the Lord, surrendering to His will and trusting in His providence.
As the great Father St. Augustine says, 'The Blessed Virgin Mary is the Mother of the Church, and the Church is the body of Christ.'
May the blessings of St. Mary, the Theotokos, be upon us, guiding us on our journey towards salvation, and may her intercession be a source of strength and comfort in times of need. May we, like the faithful of old, cry out with the Church, 'Hail to you, O Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, our intercessor and our protector.'