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Midnight Praises

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Prayer, Fasting and Worship › Midnight Praises

The question

In the eighth part of the Theotokia we say the following: "Hail to you Mary, the salvation of our father Adam, etc." Again, I understand what the church is trying to say, but how can this be said without being theologically incorrect? If someone came from another church and saw this without understanding, I could see how they would think we are worshiping St. Mary or attributing salvation to her. Isn't she a "gateway" or a "door" to the salvation of Adam, etc.?

The answer

We refer to St. Mary as "the salvation of our father Adam," not in any way to confuse her status with that of Christ, but to honor her for the distinction of having accepted the call and service to what she was commissioned. Archangel Gabriel's invitation was highly unusual, and one which she could have refused. We know that God will never impose a service on anyone. St. Mary, a poor young girl, accepted to conceive without marriage and was willing to endure subsequent hardships that would follow. This was a decision she made because of her love for God. With the utmost obedience, she submitted her will, and conceded to become a facilitator to God's plan of salvation by her own free will. Thus, through St. Mary, Adam and his descendants gained access to salvation and the prophecy was fulfilled (Genesis 3:15).

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 1549 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.