Iatria Vs Hyperdulia Vs Dulia

[TheCunctator]

Hey guys.

I was wondering if you Orthodox make the same distinction between hyperdulia for Mary and dulia for the saints as Roman Catholics do.

What objectively is the difference between the two concepts (if you do make a distinction)?

Not that it would be an argument against veneration, but does it occur when some Orthodox confuse or abuse the teaching and offer improper honor upon Mary and/or the rest of the saints?

Although I'm fairly informed about what the official Catholic teaching is, sometimes I look at them and become a little uncomfortable with the extent of the honor given in particular to Mary. Maybe it's the Pentecostalism in me that just doesn't allow me to understand, but I do admit that it concerns me. Again, like I said, I'm not trying to make an argument against veneration, I was just observing.

Do Orthodox have Marian devotions in the same manner that Roman Catholics do?

 

[Nik0s]

Hey guys.

I was wondering if you Orthodox make the same distinction between hyperdulia for Mary and dulia for the saints as Roman Catholics do.

What objectively is the difference between the two concepts (if you do make a distinction)?

There is no distinction that I'm aware of. The Orthodox Church has always honored Mary as the Theotokos (mother of God) and doesn't define things so legalistically like the Roman Church. We petition Mary and all the Saints to intercede for us before the Lord. Mary is given a special place of honor as the Theotokos, and for this reason there are many devotional hymns to her. As Mary is the mother of our Lord, we ask her to intercede as only a Mother can. An example of this intercession within scripture is the wedding at Cana where Jesus turns the water to wine at the behest of the Theotokos.

Not that it would be an argument against veneration, but does it occur when some Orthodox confuse or abuse the teaching and offer improper honor upon Mary and/or the rest of the saints?

I'm sure it does, we are all only human after all.

Do Orthodox have Marian devotions in the same manner that Roman Catholics do?

No. Orthodox hymns and devotions to the Theotokos focus on her role as the Mother of God. The Catholic devotions focus on a myriad of other things that have developed into a sort of "Marian Cult." Though the Theotokos is due veneration for her unique role as the Mother of God, all true glory, honor and worship is due to God.

Mods please close this thread. Enough with the Catholic v Orthodox threads. All they do is destroy the peace in TAW.

The OP isn't even Catholic. And if threads like this are prohibited where will users curious about Orthodoxy go to ask their questions?

 

[TheCunctator]

<edit>

There is no distinction that I'm aware of. The Orthodox Church has always honored Mary as the Theotokos (mother of God) and doesn't define things so legalistically like the Roman Church. We petition Mary and all the Saints to intercede for us before the Lord. Mary is given a special place of honor as the Theotokos, and for this reason there are many devotional hymns to her. As Mary is the mother of our Lord, we ask her to intercede as only a Mother can. An example of this intercession within scripture is the wedding at Cana where Jesus turns the water to wine at the behest of the Theotokos.

Clear as a bell. Thanks.

No. Orthodox hymns and devotions to the Theotokos focus on her role as the Mother of God. The Catholic devotions focus on a myriad of other things that have developed into a sort of "Marian Cult." Though the Theotokos is due veneration for her unique role as the Mother of God, all true glory, honor and worship is due to God.

Makes sense. Thank you.

 

[TheCunctator]

<edit>
I have a better understanding of Catholicism because it is everywhere here where I live. I'm not as familiar with Anglicanism or Lutheranism (the latter which does not speak of dulia or iatria, so there is no point in making that 'comparison' on that anyway).

Anyway, my question was answered, and this thread is already beginning to fall apart.

I agree, moderators please close this thread and accept my apologies.

 

[Dark_Lite]

Closed at OP request.

ETA
Some cleanup has been done, offtopic posts have been removed.