The Theotokos, Mother of God

“Truly you are worthy to be blessed, Mother of our God, the Theotokos. You the ever blessed one and all blameless one and the Mother of our God. You are honored more than the Cherubim and you have more glory when compared to the Seraphim. You, who without corruption, did bear God the Logos. You are the Theotokos, you do we magnify.    ("Axion Estin" 980 AD)

Through over 2000 years of Holy Tradition, the Orthodox Church has looked upon the Virgin Mary as the Theotokos, the Panagia, the Mother of God and all Christians.

The term “Theotokos”, Greek for “God-bearer”, displays our belief that because she gave birth to the incarnate Jesus Christ, who is of one essence with God the Father, she thereby gave birth to God. This belief is also depicted by the title "Mitera Theou" or "Mother of God".

The Greek title “Panagia” means “Most Holy”. Because of her role in God’s plan for the salvation of mankind, she is honored as the “First Among the Saints” and esteemed higher than all the angels of Heaven. Because she allowed for the salvation of our souls, we look to Her as our Holy Mother who directs, comforts and saves us through her intercessions

The Orthodox Church has always proclaimed Mary to be virgin-ever virgin. The Sacred Tradition concerning these matters is derived from Mary's own testimony and, like all things in The Church, is guided and guarded by the indwelling Holy Spirit. At twelve, as Mary was coming of age, the priests knew that they could no longer keep her within the male company of those in the temple, where she had resided from the age of three, for it would cause great temptation to both them and Mary. Therefore, guided by the Holy Spirit, Joseph was selected to be betrothed (or engaged) to Mary. Now Joseph was a man of many years and felt he was not a good choice, but later conceded, took her home and provided for her, going about his work. It is canonically accepted that there were no relations with Joseph, before or after the birth of Jesus.

Regarding the most awesome mystery of the virgin birth of Jesus, we know that the Archangel Gabriel appeared before her stating that she had found favor with God and that she would, by the Holy Spirit, conceive a child who would be Most Holy and would be the Son of God and that she should name him “Jesus”, for He would save all people from their sins. With humility and full faith in God's Will, she conceded to fulfill God’s providence. And so it was, that Mary, having submitted her will to God, gave birth to God the Word, the salvation of all those who believe in Him.