Orthodoxy and the Rosary?

[Markie Boy]

I was wondering - do any Orthodox pray the Rosary?

And what I am most interested in - from an Orthodox view - is the Rosary theologically correct or are there any issues?

 

[ArmyMatt]

depends on the rosarian prayer. the issue for us is mental imagery when praying.

for us, your best bet is the Jesus Prayer.

 

[John P. Alexander]

The Rosary comes with "promises" supposedly made by a very latinized version of Mary. The Rosary also requires mental imagery for "proper" use. It isn't the prayers that's the problem; it's the baggage. Best to use a Prayer Rope reciting the Jesus Prayer. You can also use it to pray "Most Holy Theotokos, save us!" Short, sweet, and to the point, no baggage involved.

 

[Not David]

For some reason the catechism book I have in Spanish calls a prayer rope "rosario" (rosary).

 

[AMM]

Yep I do. I pray a version that St Seraphim of Sarov used. Like Fr Matt said, it’s mental imagery that’s the issue, not the devotion to Mary .

 

[zippy2006]

I was hoping that someone would address this: what precisely is the Orthodox objection to mental imagery, and what is meant by "mental imagery"?

For myself, I am not a big fan of the rosary, and I am not a big fan of mental imagery, but I also don't see how the rosary even necessitates mental imagery. Is this a reference to the contemplation of the mysteries?

 

[ArmyMatt]

we object to it because of how easily it's influenced by our fallenness or demons or both.

 

[zippy2006]

Let me make some assumptions based on my previous post. First the mental imagery being referred to in this thread is the contemplation of the mysteries of the rosary (for example, contemplating the birth of Christ). Here is what I suppose:

1. Praying "Hail Mary's" while engaging in mental imagery = bad
2. Praying "Hail Mary's" = not bad
3. Engaging in mental imagery = bad (?)

I don't really understand #3. For example, why would contemplating the birth of Christ subject you to undue fallen or demonic influences?

 

[ArmyMatt]

because if I bring my own thoughts on the matter to prayer, I run the risk of making an idol out of the image.

 

[Lost4words]

Prayer almost always leads to an image in the mind. That 'image' could be God given.

Its the thought behind it that is most important. God knows why we are praying.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Prayer almost always leads to an image in the mind. That 'image' could be God given.

Its the thought behind it that is most important. God knows why we are praying.

only when we are spiritually immature. prayer should take us beyond imagery and thought.

 

[Lost4words]

only when we are spiritually immature. prayer should take us beyond imagery and thought.

Easily said than done though.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Easily said than done though.

never said it was easy, only why we struggle against mental imagery.

 

[Of the Kingdom]

The Rosary comes with "promises" supposedly made by a very latinized version of Mary. The Rosary also requires mental imagery for "proper" use. It isn't the prayers that's the problem; it's the baggage. Best to use a Prayer Rope reciting the Jesus Prayer. You can also use it to pray "Most Holy Theotokos, save us!" Short, sweet, and to the point, no baggage involved.

Thanks for your description. Can you describe the use of a Prayer Rope or give a reference? I am interested in the prayers and imagery involved, and what precautions are recommended to avoid idolatrous thinking.

 

[AMM]

Thanks for your description. Can you describe the use of a Prayer Rope or give a reference? I am interested in the prayers and imagery involved, and what precautions are recommended to avoid idolatrous thinking.

the prayer is often used under the guidance of a priest who has learned how to use one. But usually it is used to pray the Jesus Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner. Or some variation thereof. And we try to pray with our heart, each prayer like it’s the first time we are asking for mercy

 

[James4Christ 777]

depends on the rosarian prayer. the issue for us is mental imagery when praying.

for us, your best bet is the Jesus Prayer.

Father forgive me isn't there a Rosary by St. Seraphim of Sarov?

 

[James4Christ 777]

Specifically this

Fr. Novak's Blog: HOW TO PRAY THE ORTHODOX ROSARY

 

[ArmyMatt]

Father forgive me isn't there a Rosary by St. Seraphim of Sarov?

that's why I said it depends on the prayer. the issue is mental imagery.

 

[James4Christ 777]

that's why I said it depends on the prayer. the issue is mental imagery.

Yes father, the Catholic rosary goes too far with mental imagery, then you add the prophecy of Fatima, sacred heart , and consecration of Russia, then it really not Orthodox

 

[ArmyMatt]

Yes father, the Catholic rosary goes too far with mental imagery, then you add the prophecy of Fatima, sacred heart , and consecration of Russia, then it really not Orthodox

yep.