Who was Mary Magdalene?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

Mary Magdalene is one of the most significant and holy women in the history of the Coptic Orthodox Church. She is honored as a faithful disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ and as the "Apostle to the Apostles".

1. Her Deliverance and Discipleship

According to the Holy Gospels (Luke 8:2), Mary was from the town of Magdala. She had been possessed by seven demons, from which the Lord delivered her. Following her healing, she dedicated her entire life and her resources to ministering to Christ and His disciples. Contrary to common misconceptions or the false traditions found in Western denominations, the Coptic Orthodox Church does not identify her as a prostitute or the "sinful woman" mentioned in Luke 7. Such claims are considered errors that deviate from the biblical and patristic truth.

2. Her Presence at the Cross

While many of the male disciples fled or hid out of fear of the Jews, Mary Magdalene remained steadfast. She was present at the Crucifixion, standing near the Mother of God, the Virgin Mary, as recorded in the Gospel of John. She also observed where the Lord’s body was laid by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.

3. The First Witness of the Resurrection

Mary Magdalene’s greatest honor is that she was the first to see the Risen Lord.

• On the first day of the week (Sunday), "very early in the morning" (Mark 16:2), she went to the tomb with other women to anoint the body of Jesus with spices.
• She found the stone rolled away and, after the other disciples left, she stayed by the tomb weeping.
• The Lord appeared to her and called her by name: "Mary." She recognized Him and cried out, "Rabboni" (Teacher).
• The Lord commissioned her to go and tell the Apostles that He had risen, making her the first person to proclaim the Resurrection.

4. Her Place in the Coptic Church Today

• Liturgical Honor: We remember her in the Commemoration of the Saints during the Divine Liturgy and in the Doxologies of the Church.
• The Lectionary of Holy Week: During the services of Pascha, her role is highlighted through the reading of the Gospels, particularly her presence at the foot of the Cross and her early morning visit to the tomb.
• Churches: There are several churches dedicated to her name within our Diocese, such as St. Mary Magdalene Coptic Orthodox Church, located in Palm Desert, California (under the Diocese of Los Angeles), which is served by Rev. Fr. Thomas Rizkallah and Rev. Fr. Michael Fanous.

In the Coptic Orthodox Faith, Mary Magdalene represents the soul that is completely devoted to Christ, characterized by deep repentance, courage in the face of persecution by the Jews and Romans, and unwavering love for the Savior.