Do Marian apparitions mean she favors Rome?

Do the apparitions at Fatima, Lourdes and possibly the ones at Medjogorje indicate that the Mother of God favors Rome? Other than the possible Marian apparition at the Coptic Church in Egypt, all other apparitions of the Theotokos are in Roman Catholic areas. Why are there no Marian apparitions reported by Eastern Orthodox or Protestants?

Because they are so numerous and common hence there's no reason to make a big deal out of them.

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How the Orthodox interpret scripture: "Certain brethren came and asked Abba Anthony a question about the Book of the Levites, and the old man went forth to the desert, and Abba Ammon, who knew his habit, followed him secretly. And when the old man had gone some distance, he cried out with a loud voice, and said. "O God, send Moses unto me, and let him teach me [the meaning of] this verse;" and straightway a voice was heard holding converse with him. Now Abba Ammon heard this voice, and said, "I heard the voice which spake with him, but the force of the verse I never learned." – The Paradise of the Holy Fathers

no it does not mean she favors Rome, any more that Faith healings mean God favors Pentecostals.

and two, the activity of the Saints in the Church should be seen as common. if God really is Who we say He is, then the miraculous and supernatural should be expected to an extent.

Fr Peter Gillquist relates this one story about when he first became Orthodox. he was at a Greek Church and there was a woman who had some kind of accident that left her face bruised and all cut up. after Liturgy, she and the Greek priest went back into the nave of the Church, he anointed her with Holy Oil, and when she came back down, her face was fine. the reaction of the faithful in the Church surprised him more than the miracle itself. the people simply crossed themselves, praised God, and went about their business.

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"Everyone capable of thanksgiving is capable of joy and eternal salvation." -Fr. Alexander Schmemann

"The time of the end, though it seems to be near, we do not know. Let us then struggle while it is still day, with the time and the weapons which our All-merciful God has given us!" -Fr. Seraphim Rose

here's a very good article that might help answer your question:
The Marian Apparitions: Divine Intervention or Delusion?

I had to laugh at this line in the article: "If God really was trying to speak, it would be almost impossible to hear Him for the Lady's incessant chattering."

Yup Yup

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Even the Vatican is suspicious of the Medjugorie apparitions.

"in July, Pope Benedict defrocked Rev. Tomislav Vlasic, the former “spiritual director” to the six visionaries, after a year-long probe into charges he exaggerated the apparitions and had fathered a child with a nun.

The investigation, according to a Catholic News Service report, focused on alleged “dubious doctrine, the manipulation of consciences, suspect mysticism and disobedience towards legitimately issued orders."

Source


"Benedict says that the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) allegedly making daily appearances in the village of Medjugorje in Herzegovina is a fraud designed by the Devil to lure Catholics from the path of righteousness."

Source

Do we now conclude that the Theotokos favors grilled cheese?




Please forgive me if I appear to be making light of our Lady Theotokos... That is not at all what I am doing here. God forbid! I am simply pointing out that a claim does not equal reality.

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(I don't know) is my favorite answer.

Matthew 24:23-25 (New King James Version)
23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand.

I am not saying all of the apparitions of Mary are false. (Heaven forbid, especially today being the feast of the Pokrov!) All I am saying is that some may be true, some may be false. We must use discernment and judgment, and put our faith in Christ.

Also, as Orthodox always say, we know where God is, we do not know where He is not. Just because God chooses to bestow some of His grace on the Catholic Church does not mean it is not with us also.

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How does one even know if an apparition is really of God or not?

What are the rules of discirning such?