The Virgin Mary: Coptic Orthodox Questions and Answers

The Theotokos in Coptic Orthodox teaching, her feasts, apparitions and hymns.

Adam and Eve: Physical Intimacy Before or After the Fall? — The prevailing Coptic Orthodox patristic view is that Adam and Eve were joined in marriage in Paradise but lived in virginity, without carnal intimacy. Physical intimacy and procreation as we know them began after the fall and their expulsion from the Garden.
Church Mothers and Female Saints in the Coptic Orthodox Church — The Coptic Orthodox Church honors Church Mothers and female saints alongside the Church Fathers, recognizing their spiritual wisdom, courage, and holiness. These include the Virgin Mary, the Desert Mothers such as Amma Sarah and Amma Syncletica, and martyrs such as St. Demiana and St. Catherine of Alexandria.
Cleansing of St. Mary from Adam's Sin — In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, St. Mary was cleansed from Adam’s ancestral sin at the Annunciation, when the Holy Spirit came upon her after she gave her consent. This sanctified her nature and prepared her to receive the Word of God in her womb.
Coptic Gospel Response for Annual-Day Matins — The annual-day Matins Gospel Response is a doxology worshipping the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as the Holy and Co-essential Trinity, then greeting the Church as the house of the angels and the Virgin who gave birth to the Savior. It is chanted immediately after the priest reads the Matins Gospel.
Coptic Orthodox Fasts: More Than Just the Great Lent — The Great Fast, commonly called Lent, is not the only fasting period in the Coptic Orthodox Church. Other fasts include those of the Nativity, the Apostles, the Virgin Mary, and Nineveh, along with Wednesday and Friday fasting and the preparation fasts before Nativity and Theophany.
Coptic Orthodox Feast Days From March 30 to April 3 — Commemorations include March 30: the Holy Virgin Mary, St. Bane and St. Theodore; March 31: St. Cyril and St. Michael the New Martyr; April 1: St. Daniel and St. Onesiphorus; April 2: St. Macarius the Great and Mary’s appearance at Zeitoun; April 3: St. Onesimus, St. Apollonius and St. Philemon. Saints’ commemorations are suspended during Holy Week.
Coptic Orthodox View on "Salve Regina" Titles for Mary — The Coptic Orthodox Church does not use Salve Regina in its liturgy and rejects calling Mary “our life” in an absolute sense, since Christ alone is our Life. Mary may be called “our hope” in reference to her intercessions, while her “sweetness” reflects Christ dwelling in her and the holiness of her life.
Did Jesus Assume Human Nature? — Yes, according to Coptic Orthodox theology, Jesus Christ truly assumed a complete human nature from the Virgin Mary, including a real body and a rational human soul and mind. The Word Himself became human while remaining God, uniting humanity to His divinity without mingling, confusion, alteration, or division.
Did the Virgin Mary Commit Any Sin During Her Life? — The Virgin Mary did not commit deliberate, willful, or mortal sins, but lived an undefiled and holy life. She was nevertheless subject to human weakness and frailty and needed Jesus Christ as her Savior; absolute sinlessness by nature belongs to Christ alone.
Did the Virgin Mary Commit Personal Sins? — The Coptic Orthodox Church teaches that Mary did not commit personal sins, remaining sinless through her own will and the grace of God. She nevertheless shared humanity’s fallen nature and needed a Savior; her sinlessness does not mean she was exempt from ancestral sin.
Did The Virgin Mary Commit Sin? — The Coptic Orthodox Church teaches that the Virgin Mary did not commit any actual, personal, or willful sin, living in purity and obedience to God. She nevertheless inherited Adam’s fallen human nature and needed salvation, distinguishing her freedom from personal sin from the teaching of the Immaculate Conception.
Does Romans 3:23 Mean St. Mary Sinned? — The Coptic Orthodox Church teaches that St. Mary committed no personal sins, being preserved and sanctified by God’s grace, not by her own power. “All have sinned” expresses humanity’s universal need for a Savior; Mary shared fallen humanity’s mortality and corruption and needed Christ’s redemption, without committing personal transgressions.
Does the Bible Record Saint Mary's Assumption? — The Bible does not explicitly record Saint Mary’s departure or the taking up of her body into heaven. The Coptic Orthodox Church receives this teaching through Holy Tradition passed down from the Apostles and early Church Fathers, and understands it as a fulfillment of biblical prophetic imagery.
Eating Fish During St. Mary's Fast on a Friday — No, fish is not permitted on Fridays during St. Mary’s Fast in the Coptic Orthodox Church. Although fish is generally allowed during this fast, Wednesdays and Fridays require strictly vegan food, abstaining from all animal products, including fish.
Ethiopian and Coptic Inquiries on the Immaculate Conception — Yes, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church asked the Coptic Orthodox Church for clarification about ancestral sin and the Virgin Mary’s purity in relation to the Immaculate Conception. The Coptic response rejected the dogma, affirming that Mary shared humanity’s fallen condition, needed Christ’s redemption, and was sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Ethiopian Bishops and the Immaculate Conception — Individual Ethiopian bishops or priests may speak in terms resembling the Immaculate Conception, but it is not the official teaching of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Such language may reflect devotional emphasis, Western influence, or use of “immaculate” to mean undefiled rather than endorsement of the Roman Catholic dogma.
Holy Tuesday: Spiritual Watchfulness and Readiness — In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, Holy Tuesday focuses on spiritual watchfulness and readiness for Christ’s Second Coming. Through the Parable of the Ten Virgins, the Church teaches that faith must be accompanied by mercy, charity, and good works in preparation for judgment.
How Did Bethlehem’s Parents Treat the Holy Family? — Before the massacre, the parents in Bethlehem likely treated the Holy Family with suspicion, distance, or indifference rather than warmth and support. Their outsider status and fear of association with a rival king are suggested reasons for this treatment.
How Does the Coptic Orthodox Church View Mere Christianity? — Mere Christianity is generally valued in the Coptic Orthodox Church as an introduction to Christian belief, especially for atheists and agnostics, but is approached with significant theological caution. Its Western Protestant/Anglican framework falls short of Coptic Orthodox teaching, so it is not treated as a source of doctrine.
How Many Times Was Jesus Anointed With Oil? — According to the Coptic Orthodox tradition’s harmony of the four Gospels, Jesus was anointed with oil three distinct times: by an unnamed sinful woman in Galilee, by Mary of Bethany, and by an unnamed woman in Bethany in preparation for His burial.
How Old Was Saint Mary When Jesus Was Crucified? — According to Coptic Orthodox tradition, Saint Mary was 48 years old when Jesus Christ was crucified. This is calculated from her age of 15 at His birth and His earthly life of 33 years.
Infallible Sources in the Coptic Orthodox Church — The Coptic Orthodox Church recognizes Holy Scripture, the dogmatic decrees of its three recognized Ecumenical Councils, and Holy Apostolic Tradition, including the Fathers’ collective consensus, as infallible expressions of divine truth. Infallibility belongs ultimately to God and is preserved in the Church through the Holy Spirit, not vested in any individual bishop, patriarch, or Church Father.
Is Fish Permitted During the Saint Mary Fast? — Yes, fish is permitted during the Saint Mary Fast according to the Coptic Orthodox rite. It is classified as a minor, or second-degree, fast, while its primary focus remains spiritual discipline, praises, and seeking the intercession of the Mother of God.
Is Mary Queen of Heaven and of Earth? — Yes, in the Coptic Orthodox tradition, the Holy Virgin Mary is honored and confessed as Queen of Heaven and Earth. Her queenship is rooted in her identity as Theotokos, the Mother of God: having given flesh to the King of Kings, she shares in His glory as Queen Mother.
Is The Bible Prejudiced Against Women? — For a presentation to seventh-grade boys, explain that the Bible affirms women’s equal value as bearers of God’s image, illustrated by Christ’s respect for women and the Church’s honor for the Theotokos. Highlight biblical women’s faith and leadership, and encourage boys to treat girls and women with the respect Christ showed.
Letra del Himno Ho Mary — «Ho Mary» puede referirse a «Entho ho-wi Maria» («Tú también, oh María»), de la Teotokia del jueves, o a «Shere Maria» («Salve a María»). El primero comienza: «Tú también, oh María, llevaste en tu vientre el Maná inteligible que vino del Padre»; el segundo: «Salve a María la Reina».
Letra En Español De Hail To Mary — En la tradición copta, «Hail to Mary» puede referirse a dos himnos cuya letra en español comienza: «Salve a María la Reina, la vid que no envejece» (Shere Maria), o «Salve a ti, oh María, rescate de Adán nuestro padre» (Shere ne Maria).
Mary Magdalene's Age at Jesus' Death — Neither Holy Scripture nor Coptic Tradition records Mary Magdalene’s exact age when Jesus died. Her role as a disciple who traveled with and supported His ministry indicates that she was an adult, but any more precise estimate remains uncertain.
Monthly Commemorations in the Coptic Orthodox Church — The Coptic Orthodox Church’s three primary monthly commemorations are Archangel Michael on the 12th, the Holy Virgin Mary on the 21st, and the Annunciation, Nativity, and Resurrection together on the 29th of each Coptic month. Certain months and fasting seasons have exceptions to these observances.
Nestorius and the Council of Ephesus: A Coptic Perspective — Nestorius was the Archbishop of Constantinople whose teaching separated Christ into two persons and rejected Mary’s title Theotokos, meaning Mother of God. Condemned, deposed, and excommunicated at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, he was later exiled to the Great Oasis in Upper Egypt, where he died around 450 AD.
Original Sin: Coptic Orthodox vs. Roman Catholic Views — In the Coptic Orthodox understanding, Mary inherited our mortal, fallen nature—not Adam’s personal guilt—and remained personally holy; all humans inherit death and corruption, not Adam’s culpability. The provided answer contrasts this with a Catholic understanding of original sin as an inherited “stain/guilt” from which Mary was preserved.
Revelation 12:3–6: A Coptic Orthodox Interpretation — In Coptic Orthodox interpretation, Revelation 12:3–6 depicts Satan as the dragon, Jesus Christ as the victorious Child, and the woman as both the Virgin Mary and the Church. The Child’s being caught up signifies His Resurrection and Ascension, while the wilderness shows God’s protection and sustenance of the Church during a limited period of tribulation.
Saint Mary’s Departure and the Assumption of Her Body — According to the Coptic Orthodox Synaxarium, Saint Mary died on the 21st of Tobe; her body was buried by the Apostles, not taken up to heaven that day. Her body was taken up later, and the Church commemorates its assumption on the 16th of Mesra.
Scriptural References for St. Mary’s Service in the Temple — St. Mary’s service in the Temple is preserved primarily in Holy Tradition and the Coptic Synaxarion, while Scripture supplies prophetic and typological connections. The Coptic Church points especially to Psalm 45:10–11, 13, alongside Hannah’s vow in 1 Samuel 1:11, 24–28, Ezekiel 44:1–2, and Psalm 27:4.
Singing and Praying to Mary, the Saints, and the Angels — Yes, in the Coptic Orthodox Church, singing to and addressing Mary, the saints, and the angels in prayer expresses veneration and asks for their intercession—their prayers to God on behalf of others. This is not worship, which belongs to God alone, the source of all grace.
St. John Chrysostom And St. Mary's Alleged Sins — Yes. St. John Chrysostom suggested that St. Mary displayed human pride or “vainglory” at certain Gospel moments, but the Coptic Orthodox Church regards this as his personal opinion, not its established teaching, and rejects it in favor of her perpetual holiness and purity.
St. Mary and Personal Sin in Coptic Orthodox Belief — Yes. The Coptic Orthodox Church believes St. Mary was sanctified by the Holy Spirit and remained free from personal, voluntary sin throughout her life through her will and God’s grace, while rejecting the Immaculate Conception and affirming that she inherited Adam’s mortality and fallen nature.
St. Mary and Sin in Coptic Orthodox Teaching — No, the Coptic Orthodox Church teaches that St. Mary committed no actual or voluntary sin while on Earth. Although she shared humanity’s fallen nature and called God her Savior, she lived in perfect holiness, remaining pure from every sinful act, thought, and desire.
St. Mary's Death and Ancestral Sin — In Coptic Orthodox teaching, St. Mary’s death shows that she shared humanity’s inherited mortality, a consequence of the Fall called ancestral sin. It does not mean she committed personal sins; her death confirms her full humanity and participation in the mortal condition inherited from Adam.
St. Mary’s Salvation: Before or After the Cross? — In the Coptic Orthodox perspective, St. Mary’s salvation was accomplished through Christ’s Cross and Resurrection, not independently before the Cross. However, the grace of that salvation sanctified her before the Cross in preparation for her role as the mother of the Savior.
The Age of the Virgin Mary at the Annunciation and Nativity — According to Church Tradition, the Holy Virgin Mary was approximately 14–16 at the Annunciation and the Nativity of Jesus Christ. She would therefore be considered a minor under modern legal definitions, but an adult under the Jewish law and customs of her time.
The Building of Saint Mary's Church — The first church built and named after the Holy Virgin Mary was in Philippi during the preaching of the Apostles. The Coptic Orthodox Church commemorates this dedication on Baouna 21 (June 28), the feast of the first church named after the Virgin Mary.
The Church and the Body Christ Took From St. Mary — The Church is Christ’s Mystical Body, distinct from the physical body He took from St. Mary, yet truly united to it. Through the Eucharist, the faithful partake of that same glorified Body and are united to Him, making the Church His Body in a real, sacramental sense.
The Church as Mother in the Coptic Orthodox Faith — In Coptic Orthodox tradition, the Church’s motherhood is expressed in baptism, where the font is her womb; in the Liturgy of the Faithful, where she nourishes her children with the Eucharist; and in hymns and prayers. This imagery also appears in the Church Fathers’ writings and in the Virgin Mary as an icon of the Church.
The Consecration of the First Church Dedicated to St. Mary — On Paoni 21 (June 28), the Coptic Orthodox Church commemorates the consecration of the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Philippi. Distinct from her monthly commemoration, this feast honors her as the Mother of God and celebrates the Lord’s blessing upon the sanctuary, as recorded in Coptic tradition.
The Dormition and Assumption of Saint Mary — The Coptic Orthodox Church believes in both the Dormition and the Assumption of Saint Mary: she truly died a natural physical death, and her body was taken up into heaven without undergoing corruption. These are two parts of the same miraculous event.
The Doxology for St. Mary at Vespers in Coptic — For Vespers during the annual days, the First Doxology for Saint Mary is traditionally used. It begins in Coptic: “ⲭⲉⲣⲉ ⲛⲉ ⲙⲁⲣⲓⲁ: ϯϭⲣⲟⲙⲡⲓ ⲉⲑⲛⲉⲥⲱⲥ: ⲑⲏⲉⲧⲁⲥⲙⲓⲥⲓ ⲛⲁⲛ: ⲙⲫⲛⲟⲩϯ ⲡⲓⲗⲟⲅⲟⲥ”—“Hail to you Mary, the fair dove, who has borne for us, God the Word.
The First Coptic Priest in Melbourne, Australia — The first Coptic Orthodox priest to serve the community in Melbourne, Australia, was Fr. Mina Nematalla. He arrived in 1970 and established St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Kensington, the first Coptic Orthodox church in Victoria.
The First Women to Witness the Resurrection — The first witnesses to Jesus’ Resurrection were the Holy Myrrh-bearing Women, including St. Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary,” often identified as the mother of James and Joses. St. Mary Magdalene is especially honored as the first person to see the risen Lord.
The Hypostatic Union in Coptic Orthodoxy — The hypostatic union is the union of the divine and human natures in the one Person of Jesus Christ, without mingling, confusion, alteration, division, or separation. Coptic Orthodoxy confesses “One Nature of God the Word Incarnate”: each nature remains whole and distinct within the union, together forming one composite nature.
The Immaculate Conception and Miaphysite Christology — The Coptic Orthodox Church rejects the Immaculate Conception because exempting St. Mary from humanity’s fallen condition would undermine the Miaphysite understanding that Christ assumed our true human nature to heal it. It teaches that Mary shared Adam’s death and corruption and was purified by the Holy Spirit at the Annunciation, not at her conception.
The Immaculate Conception: A Coptic Orthodox Perspective — The Immaculate Conception is the Roman Catholic dogma that Mary was preserved from original sin from her conception. The Coptic Orthodox Church rejects it, teaching that she shared humanity’s inherited mortality and corruption—not Adam’s guilt—needed salvation through Christ, and was sanctified by the Holy Spirit at the Annunciation.
The Intercession Hymns of the Coptic Orthodox Liturgy — The intercession hymns, known as Ni-Eukhi, are short hymns in the Coptic Orthodox Liturgy asking for the prayers and intercessions of the Holy Virgin Mary, the Heavenly Hosts, and the Saints. They are chanted after the Pauline Epistle and before the Praxis (Acts) Response.
The Literary Legacy of Pope Shenouda III — Pope Shenouda III left over 140 books covering Coptic Orthodox theology, spiritual growth, monasticism, biblical interpretation, and poetry. His works include The Nature of Christ, Comparative Theology, The Release of the Spirit, and The Life of Repentance and Purity, explaining faith simply yet deeply and offering practical spiritual guidance.
The Role of Women in the Coptic Orthodox Church — Women hold an indispensable role in the Church as witnesses to the faith, teachers, evangelists, monastics, deaconesses, and leaders in charitable service and spiritual education. While the sacramental priesthood is reserved for men, this distinction does not imply spiritual inequality; the Church honors the Virgin Mary as the highest created being.
The Virgin Mary and Birth Pangs — The Coptic Orthodox Church teaches that the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ without the pains of childbirth and remained a perpetual Virgin. His birth was miraculous, transcending the laws of nature while preserving her body and virginity.
The Virgin Mary: Incorruptible and Free from Sin — In the Coptic Orthodox understanding, “incorruptible” means the Virgin Mary remained free from voluntary, deliberate sin. It does not mean she was exempt from ancestral sin: she inherited fallen human nature and mortality and needed salvation through her Son, Jesus Christ.
Theological Takeaways From Acts 1 — From a Coptic Orthodox perspective, Acts 1 presents the Church as the Spirit-led continuation of Christ’s work, ordered through apostolic succession and united in prayer with the Virgin Mary. It also teaches that Christ’s Ascension opens humanity to participation in divine life, promises His return, and distinguishes God’s spiritual Kingdom from earthly political power.
Transparency in Coptic Church Service Commitment — Rather than simply arriving late, tell the servant in charge when you can come, briefly explain that you are attending the Liturgy, and ask whether that works for the group’s coverage. A short explanation is enough; being marked as not always available does not replace transparency and coordination in service.
Virtues to Learn From the Saints in Coptic Orthodox Tradition — Mary teaches humility and obedience; Gabriel, reverent service; Mark, evangelistic courage; Paul, tireless labor; Anastasia, renunciation; Catherine, wisdom and fearlessness; and George, endurance. John Chrysostom models repentance and truthfulness; Cyril of Alexandria, watchfulness over the faith; Maximus and Domatius, voluntary poverty; and Mother Ereni, intense prayer and humble spiritual leadership.
Was Christ Like Us in Every Way Except Sin? — No, the saying that Christ was “like us in every way except sin” is entirely accurate in Coptic Orthodox theology. He assumed a full and real human nature, including suffering and mortality, but without sin, which is a distortion of human nature rather than an essential part of it.
What Happened to St. John the Beloved? — St. John the Beloved survived persecution and exile on Patmos, where he received the visions recorded in Revelation, then returned to Ephesus and lived to nearly 100 without being executed. According to Coptic tradition, he prayed in a trench and surrendered his soul to Christ; afterward, his disciples found the grave empty or containing only his sandals.
What Hymns Are Sung After the Feast of St. Mary? — After the Feast of Saint Mary, the Church continues in the Season of the Waters, praying the Litany of the Waters with the response “Kyrie eleison.” For the coming feasts, learn the Nayrouz Verses of Cymbals and Doxology in the Joyous Tune, and the Cross processional hymn “When the peaceful writings” and its Psalm response in the Palm Sunday Tune.
What Is a Summer Camp Theme Based on Women in the Bible? — Daughters of the King: Pillars of the Faith” is a summer camp theme exploring obedience, courage, devotion, wisdom, hospitality, and service through women of the Bible. Activities range from crowns and Nativity art for younger children to virtue hunts for older elementary children and theology and hymnology workshops for middle schoolers.
What Is a Tabernacle? — A tabernacle is a dwelling place for God; in the Old Testament, it was the portable tent built by Moses as the center of Israel’s worship in the wilderness. In Coptic Orthodox tradition, it also prefigures Christ and the Church, where God meets His people.
What Is a Tamgeed? — A tamgeed, Arabic for “glorification” or “praise,” is a hymn honoring the Holy Theotokos, angels, archangels, martyrs, and saints, and is also sung on certain feasts in praise of the Lord Jesus Christ. Honoring the saints through a tamgeed ultimately glorifies God and expresses veneration, distinct from worship offered to God alone.
What Is the Full Story of St. Mary From Birth?
What Is the Meaning of Exodus 16:32–34? — Exodus 16:32–34 commands the preservation of manna as a witness to future generations of God’s provision for Israel in the wilderness. In Coptic Orthodox tradition, the pot prefigures the Virgin Mary carrying Christ, the True Manna, while the manna points toward the Eucharist.
What Is the Story of St. Mary of Egypt? — St. Mary of Egypt turned from a life of sin after an invisible force prevented her from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, leading her to repentance and prayer before the Virgin Mary’s icon. She then lived forty-seven years in the wilderness, sustained by God’s grace, and received the Holy Sacraments before her death.
What Minor Feast Is Celebrated On July 5, 2026? — On July 5, 2026 (28 Baounah), the Coptic Orthodox Church celebrates the Minor Feast commemorating the consecration of the Church of Bashmouri, the first Church of the Virgin Mary, in Philippi. It recalls the appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ with His Apostles to consecrate a church in her name.
What Symbol Represents St. Mary as the Bridge to Heaven? — The Ladder of Jacob represents St. Mary as the bridge between heaven and earth in the Coptic Orthodox tradition. Just as the ladder connected earth to heaven, her womb became the meeting point of the Divine and the human when the Son of God took human nature through her.
What the Church Fathers Say About Gideon — The Church Fathers interpret Gideon’s life as revealing mysteries of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and spiritual warfare: his fleece prefigures the Incarnation and the spread of divine grace to the Gentiles. His calling and destruction of idols teach reliance on God rather than human strength, and repentance before communion with God.
What to Read During the Fast of St. Mary? — During the Fast of St. Mary, read Luke 1 to reflect on her obedience, humility, and Magnificat; the Theotokia of the Day to meditate on her place in the Church’s praises; and Psalm 45, which describes the Queen standing at the King’s right hand.
When Is Ari Ebresveveen Sung Beyond Weddings? — Besides weddings, the melismatic Ari ebresveveen is chanted on feasts of the Virgin Mary and during Kiahk, and may be sung at her monthly commemoration on the 21st of each Coptic month. In some traditions, it is also used when receiving a bishop or patriarch or during processions involving the Virgin Mary’s icon.
When Is the Fast of Saint Mary? — The Fast of Saint Mary in the Coptic Orthodox Church lasts 15 days, beginning on 1 Mesra (August 7). It concludes on 16 Mesra (August 22) with the Feast of the Assumption of the Body of the Holy Virgin Mary.
When Was St. Mary Baptized? — According to Coptic Orthodox tradition, St. Mary was never baptized in the manner in which Christians receive the Sacrament of Baptism. Her sanctification is understood through her reception of the Holy Spirit, particularly at the Annunciation and at Pentecost, when she received the Spirit’s outpouring with the disciples.
When Was St. Mary Saved From Original Sin? — In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, St. Mary was purified from original sin at the Annunciation, when the Holy Spirit descended upon her. She inherited the fallen nature like all human beings, but the Holy Spirit cleansed and sanctified her to bear the incarnate Word of God.
Which Marian Apparitions Does the Coptic Orthodox Church Uphold? — The Coptic Orthodox Church upholds Marian apparitions at Zeitoun, St. Menas Church in Shoubra, Asyut and Mount Dronka, and El-Warraq, alongside historical appearances associated with Atrib, El-Moqattam, and Mount Qusqam. These are understood as divine consolations that strengthen the faithful, not new revelations or additions to the Apostolic faith.
Which Saint Should One Ask in Distress? — In distress, turn first to Jesus Christ and seek the intercession of the Virgin St. Mary, the first and greatest intercessor. Other saints to ask include Archangel Michael for spiritual warfare, St. George for severe trials, St. Mina for urgent needs, and St. Marina for fear and anxiety.
Who Is Father Mark Sargious? — Father Mark Sargious is a Coptic Orthodox priest serving at the Church of the Virgin Mary & St. Athanasius in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. He is known for youth and family outreach, theological teaching, and preserving Coptic liturgical music and rites.
Who Was Mary Magdalene? — Mary Magdalene was a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ from Magdala, whom He delivered from seven demons. Honored in the Coptic Orthodox Church as the “Apostle to the Apostles,” she remained present at His Crucifixion and was the first to see the risen Lord and proclaim His Resurrection.
Who Was With Christ at the Foot of the Cross? — At the foot of Christ’s Cross were St. Mary the Virgin, St. John the Beloved, St. Mary Magdalene, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Salome. St. John was the only male disciple recorded as present, while the holy women remained steadfast.
Who Were the Virgin Mary’s Parents and Maternal Relatives? — Yes. According to the Church’s sacred tradition, the Virgin Mary’s parents were St. Anna and St. Joachim, and Anna had two sisters: Sophia, the mother of Elizabeth and grandmother of John the Baptist, and Mary, the mother of Salome.
Who Wrote the Kiahk Hymn “Oh Mary”? — The Kiahk hymn “Oh Mary,” also known as “O Mary, O Mary” or “Ya Maryam, Ya Maryam,” is widely attributed to St. Hegumen Michael El-Bahery, a disciple of Saint Anba Abram, Bishop of Fayoum.
Why Do People Reject St. Mary’s Perpetual Virginity? — From a Coptic Orthodox perspective, rejection of Mary’s perpetual virginity stems from literal readings of Scripture detached from Church Tradition, secular skepticism toward miracles, and a diminished understanding of the Incarnation. Disputes over biblical language and a lack of participation in the Church’s liturgical life also contribute.
Why Do So Many Church Fathers Speak So Ill of Women? — Some Church Fathers used harsh language about women because of ascetic hyperbole, inherited cultural prejudices, interpretations of Eve, and rebukes of wealthy women’s vanity. These statements were not necessarily doctrinal teachings about women; the Coptic Orthodox Church honors the Fathers as teachers of faith without treating their prejudiced personal opinions as Holy Tradition.
Why Does the Coptic Orthodox Church Celebrate St. Mary’s Birth? — The Coptic Orthodox Church generally celebrates saints’ departures rather than their births, but makes exceptions for Jesus Christ, St. John the Baptist, and St. Mary. Mary’s birth is celebrated because of her unique role as the Mother of God, preparing for the Incarnation and affirming her humanity as the source of Christ’s human nature.
Why Is St. Mary Given These Old Testament Titles? — St. Mary is called the confirmation of Job, the healing of Jeremiah, and the redemption of Isaiah because she bore Christ, who fulfilled Job’s hope in the Redeemer, Jeremiah’s longing for healing, and Isaiah’s visions of redemption. She is called the daughter of King David because she descended from his royal line and fulfilled his prophecies.

The Virgin Mary: Coptic Orthodox Questions and Answers

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