I’ve enjoyed reading this thread - particularly in
regards to the Orthodox Church, which I knew far less
about than the Roman Church where I grew up before
becoming a believer.
This thread spurred me to do a bit of reading up
on the Orthodox Church. In doing so, I was asking
myself if I felt comfortable in a Biblical sense
with what I found. In many ways, the answer is
yes. There are a few sticking points.
As an example:
One thing that stood out was the emphasis given
to Mary in the Orthodox service. I found the same
doctrine of perpetual virginity that Rome has.
I’ve searched a bit to try to learn on what
basis both churches teach this concept.
Can either side here comment in particular as
to where in the Bible you find support for
this doctrine - or if it is based on tradition
alone?
I’ll be candid...
I can see some rationale for coming to a different
conclusion on the verses that seem to imply evidence
Mary was not perpetually a virgin.
Even if that is swallowed, without some Biblical
support to affirm the claim of perpetual virginity,
it seems to remain an argument from silence - yet
elevated in practice and belief to a central doctrine
of the Orthodox church.
Sincere question. Any comments from your traditions
will be thoughtfully received.
Thank you.
ampu
“Can either side here comment in particular as
to where in the Bible you find support for
this doctrine - or if it is based on tradition
alone?
I’ll be candid...
I can see some rationale for coming to a different
conclusion on the verses that seem to imply evidence
Mary was not perpetually a virgin.
Even if that is swallowed, without some Biblical
support to affirm the claim of perpetual virginity,
it seems to remain an argument from silence - yet
elevated in practice and belief to a central doctrine
of the Orthodox church.”
ampu, one of the Latins may be able to give you chapter and verse from the Scriptures about the perpetual virginity of the Most Holy Theotokos. I can’t and frankly it makes absolutely no difference to me whatsoever if there is or is not a scriptural basis for our devotion to Panagia. Holy Tradition, as preserved in the Divine Liturgy and other devotions of The Church and in the writings of the consensus patrum says she was. Holy Tradition also says that the scriptures of the Canon have value as the written Word of God. I believe Holy Tradition in both instances. If Holy Tradition did not approve the Canon, I wouldn’t accept the Canon, not the other way around.