The Perpetual Virginity of Mary (Teachings of the Orthodox Church)

Christianity. Orthodoxy. Catholicism. Sense of life. Articles for Christians.

You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery;' but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. 'It was also said, 'Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce,' but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries her when she is put away commits adultery. 'Again you have heard that it was said to them of old time, 'You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Lord your vows,' but I tell you, don't swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God; nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Neither shall you swear by your head, for you can't make one hair white or black. But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be 'No.' Whatever is more than these is of the evil one. 'You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.'* But I tell you, don't resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and don't turn away him who desires to borrow from you. 'You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor,* and hate your enemy.*' But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven.

Christian Portal

Christian Resources

Vote!


	The Perpetual Virginity of Mary (Teachings of the Orthodox Church)

QUESTION:

The Bible refers to Jesus as having "brothers" -- e.g., "He was still addressing the crowds when His mother and His brothers appeared outside to speak with Him."

Saint Jerome (the translator of the Bible into the latin vulgate) was a champion of the defense of Mary's prepetual virginity in the fifth century. The Roman Catholic church subscribes to this belief stating that Jesus' brothers are not Mary's children. They might have been Joseph's from a previous marriage, adopted, or actually cousins who lived in the same household.

Many protestant churches teach that Jesus' brothers are Mary's other male children.

What is the Orthodox Church's thinking concerning the prepetual virginity of Mary?

ANSWER:

Concerning Mary's perpetual virginity, the Orthodox Church also holds firmly to this doctrine. We firmly believe that Mary remained a virgin after she gave birth to Christ, while we reject the notion that she had other children after Him.

In the case of the word "brother," it is clear that it has meanings other than biological, as you note.

Published in January 2011.

Read more Christian articles

Recommend this page to your friend!