General Mariology
What is Mariology?
The religious study of the Blessed Holy Virgin St.Mary
The Archangel St. Gabriel!
True or False: St. Mary was a virgin all of her life?
TRUE! St. Mary was a virgin before, during, and after Jesus Christ’s birth.
True or False: Mary committed sin in her lifetime?
FALSE! St. Mary was truly pure in body and soul, and by the grace of God she did not commit any sin.
What is a prophecy?
It is a direct inspiration of God and His word from a prophet about something coming in the future.
What does Theotokos mean?
Theotokos comes from the Greek word meaning Theo = God and Tokos = bearer.
How old was St. Mary when she entered into the Church?
St. Mary entered the Church at 3 years old, because her parents Hanna & Joachim made a promise to God that if He gave them a child they would dedicate her to God.
How old was St. Mary when she gave birth to Jesus Christ?
St. Mary was 15 years old.
What is the difference between veneration and worship?
- Veneration is honor and reverence which is reserved for saints and angels.
- Worship is our greatest praise and belief that is only reserved for the Creator God.
What is an example of a parable in the Bible?
Can be anything we have learned about or you know from the Old or New Testament:
- The Good Samaritan
- The Prodigal Son
- The Mustard Seed
- The Parable of the Talents
Mariology is a dogma of the EOTC, what does this mean?
A dogma is something in the Church that is foundational and basic teaching; and it cannot be changed.
In the Tamere Mariam (The Miracles of St. Mary) how many feasts does it state the we celebrate every year for St. Mary?
There are 33 celebrations each year to commemorate St. Mary
What was the role of St. Jospeh in St. Mary’s life?
St. Joseph was chosen to be the protector of St. Mary; he had no relationship with her.
Name 2 examples of names we have to honour St. Mary?
- Covenant of Mercy (Kidanemehret)
- Mother of God
- Bearer of Light
How is the Tent of Abraham a Parable of St. Mary?
Just as the Holy Trinity visited Abraham and stayed in his tent; similarly, the Blessed Virign Mary became the house of the Holy Trinity in her womb.
How are Mariology & Christology connected?
Mariology is the starting point before the birth of Jesus Christ, she is the fulfillment of the Incarnation and through her all of humanity was saved. Mariology and Christology are inseparable and must be understood together.
What do we celebrate during the Assumption of St. Mary?
The Assumption of Mary is when St. Mary ascended into heaven. It is celebrated on August 22nd or Nehassie 16th and it marks the end of Filseta Tsome.
Why was St. Mary chosen to be the Mother of God?
She was chosen because of the Divine Grace of God and His blessings and her soul and body were dedicated to God. She did not commit any sin and was always faithful
Give 2 examples of how the EOTC venerate St. Mary?
- Divine Liturgy: Kidassie Mariam
- Praises of St. Mary: Wudassie Mariam
- The Miracles of St. Mary: Negara Mariam
What is a an example of Bible passage that has a prophecy of St. Mary?
- Ezekiel 44:2-3
Finish this Bible verse, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant and from now on….
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant and from now on all generations will call me blessed” -Luke 1:46-48
What happened during St. Mary’s dormition and how old was she when this happened?
We celebrate the dormition on January 29th (Tirr 21st) when St. Mary rested and her body left this Earth. This happened when she was 64 years old and her body was buried in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Explain how this verse is related to the Perpetual Virgnity of St. Mary, “and the Lord said to me, this gate will stay closed and will never be opened. No human being is allowed to use it. Because I, the Lord God of Israel have entered through it, it is to remain closed” - Ezekiel 44:2-3
The gate is the Virgin’s womb through which Jesus entered and it remained shut and was not opened by another person or another child. It was only possible through the Divine work of God.
What did St. Elizabeth say when St. Mary entered her house for the first time?
In a loud voice St. Elizabeth proclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of they womb”
What is the purpose of a prophecy?
- Build up faith & mortality
- Advise, warn or caution to the people
- Console or relieve the people from sadness