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St. John Damascene also says, "that to serve Mary and be Her courtier is the greatest honor we can possibly possess; for to serve the Queen of Heaven is already to reign there, and live under Her commands is more than to govern."25 On the other hand, he adds, "that those who do not serve Mary will not be saved; for those who are deprived of the help of this great Mother are also deprived of that of Her Son and of the whole court of heaven."

I wonder how many of our Roman Catholic friends will disagree with this statement? I honor Mary and respect her place in the salvation of mankind, but I do not "serve" her. Instead, I serve only God as Jesus rebuked Satan, "For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.' (Matt. 4:10). I am saved through faith in Jesus Christ because of the grace of God. Mary was saved the same way.