Do you have a "personal" devotion to the Theotokos?

Fotina

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Yes! It's really hard to miss Orthodox devotion to the Most Holy Theotokos in the icons, feasts, akathists and more.

We just celebrated:

Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos + September 8


This is the day of the Lord; wherefore, rejoice ye nations; for behold the chamber of Light, the scroll of the Word of life hath come forth from the womb; the gate facing the east hath been born. Wherefore, she awaiteth the entrance of the High Priest. And she alone admitted Christ into the universe for salvation of our souls.
+ Doxastikon of the Feast, Tone 6
Read Fr. Andrew Damick's reflection on the Theotokos, the Ark of the New Covenant.
Listen to Fr. Thomas Hopko speak on the Nativity of the Theotokos on Ancient Faith Radio.




Wyoming Valley Orthodox Choir - Awed By The Beauty - YouTube

O Virgin Pure-Orthodox Byantine Chant - YouTube




 
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Joseph Hazen

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My relationship with Mary has changed from Roman Catholicism but I can't tell how really. It seems more "in the proper place" perhaps. Orthodox wouldn't, I don't think, do such things as "Become Slaves to Mary" as Louis de Montefort encouraged, but we blatantly say such things as "Most Holy Theotokos, save us!"

I do think Mary knows me and my family and has interceded for us before, but it's in...maybe a less sentimental way than it was in RCism? Maybe I feel like we glorify Christ more, so the glory we give to the Theotokos no longer feels so disproportionate? I'm not sure. There's a difference to me (and that might ((probably is)) just my personal experience) but I can't pinpoint what it is.

We do love the Theotokos though, and to have love for her wouldn't be seen as unusual or out of place.
 
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RKO

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Good to know that. My peripheral understanding of theotokos thus far makes it appear that she is venerated in a "majestic" sort of way. i didn't see evidence of a more personal relationship. but then, I'm still not spending enough time IN the Orthodox Church...(I know, I know)
Glad to know she is there in a personal way and agree that it sometimes does reach almost a cult status in the RCC.
 
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Gxg (G²)

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Yes! It's really hard to miss Orthodox devotion to the Most Holy Theotokos in the icons, feasts, akathists and more.

We just celebrated:

Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos + September 8


This is the day of the Lord; wherefore, rejoice ye nations; for behold the chamber of Light, the scroll of the Word of life hath come forth from the womb; the gate facing the east hath been born. Wherefore, she awaiteth the entrance of the High Priest. And she alone admitted Christ into the universe for salvation of our souls.
+ Doxastikon of the Feast, Tone 6

Read Fr. Andrew Damick's reflection on the Theotokos, the Ark of the New Covenant.
Listen to Fr. Thomas Hopko speak on the Nativity of the Theotokos on Ancient Faith Radio.




Wyoming Valley Orthodox Choir - Awed By The Beauty - YouTube

O Virgin Pure-Orthodox Byantine Chant - YouTube





:clap:
 
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Monica child of God 1

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From compline. We have this and other daily personal prayers to the Theotokos:

O spotless, undefiled, incorrupt, immaculate, pure Virgin, Lady Bride of God, who by thy wondrous conceiving hast united God the Word to man, and joined the outcast nature of our race to heavenly things, O only hope of the hopeless, and succour of the embattled, the ready help of them that have recourse to thee, and refuge of all Christians: abhor me not, the sinner, the accursed one, who have altogether made myself unprofitable by shameful thoughts, words, and deeds, and with the heartsease of life's pleasures am become a thrall in mind. But as the Mother of the man-befriending God, do thou, in man-befriending wise, take pity upon me a sinner and prodigal, and receive my supplication, offered thee on unclean lips. And using thy boldness as a mother, entreat thy Son, our Master and Lord, that He may open even unto me the loving compassions of His goodness, and that, overlooking mine innumerable trespasses, He would turn me to repentance, and make me the approved doer of His commandments. And be thou ever with me, as thou art merciful, and compassionate, and the lover of good, being in this life a fervent protectress and help, to defend me from the assaults of adversaries, and guide me unto salvation; and in the hour of my departure, to care for my wretched soul, and drive far from it the dark countenances of evil demons; and in the terrible day of judgment, to deliver me from eternal torment, and show me forth as an heir of the unspeakable glory of thy Son and our God. This be my lot, O my Lady, most holy Theotokos, by thy mediation and help, through the grace and love for man of thine Only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, to Whom is due all glory, honour, and worship, with His Father which is without beginning, and His All-holy and good and life creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
 
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RKO

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From compline. We have this and other daily personal prayers to the Theotokos:

O spotless, undefiled, incorrupt, immaculate, pure Virgin, Lady Bride of God, who by thy wondrous conceiving hast united God the Word to man, and joined the outcast nature of our race to heavenly things, O only hope of the hopeless, and succour of the embattled, the ready help of them that have recourse to thee, and refuge of all Christians: abhor me not, the sinner, the accursed one, who have altogether made myself unprofitable by shameful thoughts, words, and deeds, and with the heartsease of life's pleasures am become a thrall in mind. But as the Mother of the man-befriending God, do thou, in man-befriending wise, take pity upon me a sinner and prodigal, and receive my supplication, offered thee on unclean lips. And using thy boldness as a mother, entreat thy Son, our Master and Lord, that He may open even unto me the loving compassions of His goodness, and that, overlooking mine innumerable trespasses, He would turn me to repentance, and make me the approved doer of His commandments. And be thou ever with me, as thou art merciful, and compassionate, and the lover of good, being in this life a fervent protectress and help, to defend me from the assaults of adversaries, and guide me unto salvation; and in the hour of my departure, to care for my wretched soul, and drive far from it the dark countenances of evil demons; and in the terrible day of judgment, to deliver me from eternal torment, and show me forth as an heir of the unspeakable glory of thy Son and our God. This be my lot, O my Lady, most holy Theotokos, by thy mediation and help, through the grace and love for man of thine Only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, to Whom is due all glory, honour, and worship, with His Father which is without beginning, and His All-holy and good and life creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Wow...just, wow. Cut copied and pasted on my desktop for daily reading and recitation.
Thank you, Monica.
 
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Dorothea

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From compline. We have this and other daily personal prayers to the Theotokos:

O spotless, undefiled, incorrupt, immaculate, pure Virgin, Lady Bride of God, who by thy wondrous conceiving hast united God the Word to man, and joined the outcast nature of our race to heavenly things, O only hope of the hopeless, and succour of the embattled, the ready help of them that have recourse to thee, and refuge of all Christians: abhor me not, the sinner, the accursed one, who have altogether made myself unprofitable by shameful thoughts, words, and deeds, and with the heartsease of life's pleasures am become a thrall in mind. But as the Mother of the man-befriending God, do thou, in man-befriending wise, take pity upon me a sinner and prodigal, and receive my supplication, offered thee on unclean lips. And using thy boldness as a mother, entreat thy Son, our Master and Lord, that He may open even unto me the loving compassions of His goodness, and that, overlooking mine innumerable trespasses, He would turn me to repentance, and make me the approved doer of His commandments. And be thou ever with me, as thou art merciful, and compassionate, and the lover of good, being in this life a fervent protectress and help, to defend me from the assaults of adversaries, and guide me unto salvation; and in the hour of my departure, to care for my wretched soul, and drive far from it the dark countenances of evil demons; and in the terrible day of judgment, to deliver me from eternal torment, and show me forth as an heir of the unspeakable glory of thy Son and our God. This be my lot, O my Lady, most holy Theotokos, by thy mediation and help, through the grace and love for man of thine Only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, to Whom is due all glory, honour, and worship, with His Father which is without beginning, and His All-holy and good and life creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
It's one of my favorite prayers. :)
 
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Dorothea

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Rejoice Unwedded Bride is one of my favorite hymns. when I was in college, when we would do an Akathist, we would always end it with that prayer to her.

It's a beautiful hymn. :)
 
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katherine2001

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