Nativity Specials

Virgin Mary - In the Syrian Orthodox Faith by Rev. Fr. Thomas Kora
In the plan and process of human salvation even God himself was utilizing the will and co-operation of this poor and humble Virgin. This Ever Virgin Mariyam’s (Second Eve’s) obedience and submission to God’s will, caused to wipe out and cleanse the sin and disgrace which entered in the world through the first Eve.

Hail Mary! The Holy Virgin, Mother of God by Very Rev. Joseph Pukkunnel Corepiscopos
St. Mary is the Holy Virgin Mother of God. The name 'Virgin Mother' will seem to be paradoxical; but only one who has studied the mysterious way how St. Mary bore the infant Jesus in her womb can understand how she had conceived even yet a virgin.

The presence of the THEOTOKOS in the Economy of Salvation - an Orthodox Approach by Rev. Fr. Dr. K. M. George
In the Orthodox Church, theology is inseparable from liturgical adoration and devotion. Since the mystery that is being celebrated is too profound to be articulated, one resorts to flowery language teeming with fine figures of speech. In the Orthodox Syrian liturgy, Mary’s person is clothed in a metaphorical language almost completely evolved out of the Biblical types, symbols and ideas.

The History of the Term Theotókos by Fr. O'Carroll
Theotókos (a Greek word meaning God-bearer) is the ancient Eastern title for Mary, Mother of God, prominent especially in liturgical prayer in the Orient down to our time. It was formally sanctioned at the Council of Ephesus. It makes into one word the Lucan title "Mother of the Lord" (1:43) with 2:12, where Lord is taken in a transcendent sense; it is the counterpart of John’s "the Word was made flesh" (1:14).

Theotokos - The Mother of God by Jacob P Varghese
The designation and depiction of Mary as 'Theotokos' is ancient and venerable, beginning from the second century, gaining firm establishment by the fourth and fifth centuries. The title 'Theotokos' was made official by the III Ecumenical Council (Ephesus, 431 AD) which decreed that the Virgin should be honored by this name which confirms the Orthodox belief in the Incarnation: that Christ was both true God and true man.

Lovely Lady by Dr. Phyllis Tickle
Dorothy' poem assumes the most fundamental of human relationships, that of mother with child, and then assumes from there all of the normal emotions for God that inform human childhood. What the prayer does, in other words, is almost naively, but very persuasively, give us a God who has an emotional life. Such a daring feat becomes a shocking one when it is pulled out and articulated for what it is, but buried in the innocence of a small poem, such a feat becomes a shrewd and small, but mighty, miracle.

In Defense of the Theotókos by St. Cyril of Alexandria
Hail Mary Theotókos, venerable treasure of the whole world, star who never sets, crown of virginity, scepter of the orthodox law, indestructible Mother and Virgin, for the sake of the one who is called 'blessed' in the holy Gospels, the one who 'comes in the name of the Lord.'

Holy Virgin Mary by Joykutty, Detroit
What makes the intercession from Saint Mary so special for us? Article in Malayalam

Virgin Mary - Advocate and Queen Part I by Edward Sri, S.T.D.
Belief in Mary’s loving intercession was expressed in early Christian art, prayer and teaching. Whether it be in the many frescoes of the Roman catacombs depicting Mary in a prayerful position, or through early Church Fathers who portray Mary in heaven as praying for those on earth, or through other Fathers who address Mary and prayerfully seek her supplication, Mary’s intercessory role is clearly attested to in the first four centuries of the Church.

Virgin Mary - Advocate and Queen, Part II by Edward Sri, S.T.D.
The early Church quickly perceived the important role Mary played in God’s redemptive plan. The role of Mary as New Eve beside her Son in the economy of salvation is found already in the writings of St. Justin Martyr, St. Irenaeus of Lyons and Tertullian (and possibly other earlier sources.)

Nature of Mary as Taught by Different Christian Denominations

Mary, Mother of Jesus by Edward F. Markquart, Seattle, Washington
Today’s sermon will focus on Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, and one of the purposes of this sermon is to renew our appreciation for this woman. The Bible does say that she is the most respected and blessed of all women of all time. Mary is the only person who loved Jesus from the beginning to the end.

Mary’s Magnificat by C. H. Spurgeon
Mary's Magnificat was a song of faith. You have thought, perhaps, that you could easily have sung this song if you had been as highly favored as she was, but are you sure that you could have done so? Have you ever realized the difficulties under which this hymn was composed and sung?

Mary's Magnificat: Exposition of Luke 1:39-56 by C. H. Spurgon

What The Church Fathers Said About Mary: Ever Virgin
What church fathers like Origen, Athanasius, Cyril of Alexandria, Hilary of Poitiers, etc. said about Virgin Mary during 120 AD - 450 AD.

Mary is Ever Virgin by Dr. Brian Kopp
Quotations from the church fathers and Doctors of the church and passages from the scripture are used to show that Virgin Mary remained Virgin after the birth of Jesus.

The Name of Mary by Bernard of Clairvaux
The name Mary means "star of the sea" and is most suitably fitting for a virgin mother. For she is most appropriately compared to a star, because, just as a star emits its rays without being corrupted, so the Virgin gave birth to her Son without any injury to her virginity. When the star emits its rays, this does not make it less bright, and neither does the Son diminish his Mother's virginal integrity.

All Generations Shall Call Me Blessed by St. Thomas Aquinas
Blessed! Who is this blessed one Whom every age shall praise? And who spoke this prophetic word Of all the coming days? Mary, the Mother of our God, With soul inspired by grace; So in our hearts and on our lips Let her sweet praise have place.

Mother of Mercy
Mary had obtained mercy in a particular and exceptional way, as no other person has. At the same time, still in an exceptional way, she made possible with the sacrifice of her heart her own sharing in revealing God's mercy. This sacrifice is intimately linked with the cross of her Son, at the foot of which she was to stand on Calvary.

Mary is Pattern of Church’s Holiness by Pope John Paul II
The relationship between Mary and the Church is a fascinating comparison between two mothers. It clearly reveals Mary's maternal mission and the Church's commitment ever to seek her true identity in contemplation of the face of the Theotokos.

Mary Offers Sublime Model of Service by Pope John Paul II
In declaring herself ' the handmaid of the Lord', the Blessed Virgin shows total obedience to God's will and makes it her own with all her personal resources.

Mary's Hidden Life is Example to Mothers by Pope John Paul II
As Jesus grew in wisdom, age and grace, Mary understood better the meaning of her own motherhood and her life ‘hidden with Christ in God.’ We can conclude that the atmosphere of tranquility and peace in the house of Nazareth and their constant seeking to fulfill God's plan gave an extraordinary and unique depth to the union of mother and son.

Mary's Cooperation is Totally Unique by Pope John Paul II
The basis of this singular co-operation is Mary’s divine motherhood and her sharing in Jesus’ life, culminating in her presence at the foot of the Cross. We can ... turn to the Blessed Virgin, trustfully imploring her aid in the awareness of the singular role entrusted to her by God, the role of co-operator in the Redemption, which she exercised throughout her life and in a special way at the foot of the Cross.

Devotion to Mary Is Based on Jesus' Will by Pope John Paul II
The words, 'Behold, your mother!', express Jesus' intention to inspire in his disciples an attitude of love for and trust in Mary, leading them to recognize her as their mother, the mother of every believer.

Isaiah's prophecy fulfilled in Incarnation
The Old Testament only points to mystery of Mary's motherhood, but the New Testament proclaims that the birth of Jesus fulfills the prophet's word. "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel" (Is 7:13 14). These well known words from the prophet Isaiah were fulfilled with the birth of Jesus.

The Possible Impossible by Dr. Dwight Gunter
(Sermon based on Luke 1:26-38; Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44)
When God's power is met with a willing and surrendered heart, the impossible becomes possible! "I am the Lord's servant . . . . May it be to me as you have said." That is to say, "Let the power of God turn the impossible into the possible. I am surrendered and I am willing."

Blessed Virgin was Filled With God's Grace by Pope John Paul II
The Evangelist Luke makes it clear that Mary's being 'full of grace' is not due to any human merit but is wholly the result of God's wonderful work. Everything in Mary derives from a sovereign grace. All that is granted to her is not due to any claim of merit but only to God's free and gratuitous choice.

Mary Sings The Praises of God's Mercy by Pope John Paul II
In the ‘Magnificat’, the Blessed Virgin proclaims the greatness of God who called her, his humble handmaid, to be the Mother of his Incarnate Son.

The Beauty of the Hail Mary by St. Louis Marie de Montfort
Even though there is nothing so great as the majesty of God and nothing so low as man insofar as he is a sinner, Almighty God does not despise our poor prayers. On the contrary, He is pleased when we sing His praises.

A Secret of Grace by St. Louis Marie de Montfort
It is more perfect, because it is more humble, not to approach God of ourselves without taking a mediator. Our nature is so corrupted that if we rely on our own works, efforts and preparations in order to reach God and please Him, it is certain that our good works will be defiled or be of little weight before God in inducing Him to unite Himself to us and to hear us.

Virgin Mary vs. Eve by St. Irenaeus
A comparison is instituted between the disobedient and sinning Eve and the Virgin Mary, her patroness.

Divine Meekness, Patience, and Clemency Mirrored in Mary's Heart by St. John Eudes
God's meekness, patience and clemency are three divine perfections which are joined with mercy to form one and the same perfection, although their effects are different.

Divine Mercy Mirrored in Mary's Heart by St. John Eudes
Among the effects of Divine Mercy, we must enumerate three principal realities, which in turn embody numberless effects. The first is the Incarnation of the God-Man; the second, his Mystical Body, namely Holy Church; the third is the Mother of the God-Man, namely the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. These constitute three admirable masterpieces of Divine Mercy.

"Hail, Full of Grace": Sermons of St. Lawrence of Brindisi
In his greeting to Mary, the celestial groomsman is not wishing nor offering a prayer of peace for the Virgin, but announcing and affirming that she already possesses this peace. The greeting, shalom, i.e. "peace," for the Hebrews does not only signify concord and tranquility, but also happiness.

Hail Holy Queen - sermons of St. Lawrence of Brindisi
In the following excerpts one begins to see most clearly that there exists in St. Lawrence's Marian work a unity between speculative theology and tender devotion to the Mother of God. Indeed, it become clear that the foundation point and principle of his Marian scholarship is the divine motherhood itself.

The Magnificat: Mary’s Own Prayer by Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J.
We have many reasons to give due consideration and prayerful reflection to the Magnificat. It is the longest discourse recorded of Mary in Divine Revelation. Many are the stories written telling about the heart of Mary as shown in that beautiful prayer. Certainly inspired, it was pronounced by Mary herself when she was carrying the Divine Child in her womb.

Magnificat (Luke 1.46-55) by Robert Austell
We are moving forward from the questions of “Is God trying to get your attention? Is God trying to tell you something? And what is it that God would birth in your life for His glory?” Last week we looked at how Mary didn’t demand proof in the way of specifics or a miraculous sign, but trusted in God’s Word to her. That faith is manifest in today’s text as worship and as joy.

Mary's Psalm - Luke 1:46-55 by Steve Brandon
These words are in some ways like a Psalm: they are filled with praise, filled with good theology, and expressive of the cry of a dependent heart. I would contend that if these words were found in the collection of the Psalms, we wouldn't think twice about them being there. As such, I have simply entitled my message this morning, "Mary's Psalm."

Magnificat: The Hymn of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Blessed Virgin specified that the mercy of God is from generation unto generation to those who fear Him. No one is excluded from Divine mercy, but it does not produce the effects of salvation except in those who fear God.

Meditation on the Magnificat by John Piper
Mary sees clearly a most remarkable thing about God: He is about to change the course of all human history. And where is God? Occupying himself with two obscure, humble women—one old and barren, one young and virginal. And Mary is so moved by this vision of God, the lover of the lowly, that she breaks out in song—a song that has come to be known as the Magnificat.

The Keynote of a Choice Sonnet - Magnificat by C. H. Spurgeon
Her prayer, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to Your word," showed her joyful submission and childlike confidence and this made her blessed with the blessedness of patient hope.

A Harp of Ten Strings by C. H. Spurgeon
We must recall the fact that Mary was highly distinguished and honored. No other woman was ever blessed as she was. Perhaps no other could have borne the honor that was put upon her—to be the mother of the Human Nature of our Savior.

Sermon on Magnificat, The Hungry Filled, The Rich Emptied by C. H. Spurgeon
I am going to take our text as one instance of the general Providence of God and to use it, first, in reference to sinners. Then in reference to saints and, lastly, in reference to saints in their capacity as workers for Christ.

Ettu Nombu Perunnal (8-day lent) in Manarcadu St. Mary's Cathdral - 2011 - Manorama Supplement

Sermons on Annunciation to St. Mary

Submitting to the Relentless God
by Ken Gehrels

Nothing is Impossible With God
by Brian Evans

Surprised by Christmas
by Thomas R. McKibbens

The Annunciation to Mary
by Dr. Donald T. Williams

Unwavering Faith of St. Mary
by Rev. Dr. V Kurian Thomas Valiyaparambil

Bible Study on Annunciation Reading
by HG Yuhanon Mor Meletius

The Angel's Greeting
by Meister Eckhart

Devotional Thoughts for Annunciation to St. Mary
by Rev. Fr. K. K. John

Devotional Thoughts for the Sunday of Annunciation to St. Mary
by Jose Kurian Puliyeril

Annunciation to St. Mary
by Rev. Fr. Happy Jacob

Christ Conceived by the Holy Spirit
by John Piper

The Virgin Birth of Christ
by Dr. Donald T. Williams

The Virgin Birth of the Son of God
by John Piper

The Child to Be Born Will Be Called Holy—the Son of God
by John Piper

The Blessed Virgin Mary
by Rev. Andrew Eckert

First Thoughts on Luke 1:26-38
by William Loader, Murdoch University, Australia

Touched By An Angel
by The Reverend Bryn MacPhail

God's call to Mary
by Rev. Bryan Findlayson

The Honor of God
by Larry Broding

Sermon On the Incarnation
by St. Vincent Ferrer

Commentary on Lectionary Reading for Annunciation to St. Mary
by Richard Wills Sr., Hampton, VA

Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists - Luke 1:26-38
by John Calvin

Gabriel’s Annunciation to Mary About Jesus’ Birth - A Commentary on Luke 1:26-38
by Dr. Richard P. Bucher

The Annunciation - Gospel Analysis
by Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Seattle, WA

Exegetical Notes on Luke 1:26-38
by Brian Stoffregen, Marysville, CA

Enough for the Journey - Exegetical Notes on Luke 1:26-38
by Jerry Goebel

Believing
by John Jewell

The Annunciation of Jesus
by Rev. Paul Nielsen, Waterville, Maine

A Cry Of Love
by the Rev. Dr. George Hermanson

Say What?
by Robert Austell

You Have Found Favor with God
by Robert Austell

Nothing Will Be Impossible With God
by Robert Austell

Dance of Faith
by Pastor David Van Kley

Nothing
by Steven Kurtz

General Articles/eBooks about St. Mary

This eBook is based on the author's readings about Virgin Mary in the books 'The Poem of the Man-God' by Maria Valtorta and 'The Signs of the Times' by Benny Punnathura.

'The Poem of the Man-God' is full of the visions received by the author starting with the life of Mary's parents, focused on the life of Jesus and ending with Mary's assumption and the Acts of the Apostles. That book reveals several of the unknown mysteries of God through visions. It consists of five volumes in five thousand pages in English and has been translated into several languages. This book will definitely bring us closer to God and will enhance our spirituality. The visions elaborate the events in the New Testament with appropriate occasions and settings which make it more concrete.

'The Signs of the Times' was written with reference to fourteen other books. It focuses on Mary's evangelization of the world through messages given to more than three hundred people around the world through visions and apparitions. The messages about anti-Christ, God's final clearance through three days of darkness, and the pouring of the Holy Spirit are the most appealing mysteries in that book. Reading of that book will enable us to prepare ourselves for the end.

[Editor's Note: 'The Poem of the Man-God' by Maria Valtorta is written based on the Catholic Teachings on St. Mary. Orthodox Church does not subscribe to some dogmas such as Immaculate Conception, Mary's Assumption without Death or Co-redemption status for Mary as taught by the Catholic Church. Please read the book with the understanding that not all that are stated here are accepted by Orthodox Church.]

Table of Contents

Articles

Morth Mariam Yeldos Aloho
Mary is familiar name for Bible readers. 7 different women bear the name, Mary in the New Testament. Multiplicity of names, absence of clear identification to discern relationship between each of them and translation errors have contributed lot of confusion and gave room for many erroneous interpretations concerning blessed Mary, the mother of God.

The Mystery of Holy Mary, Mother of God
When I was a young student of the church I had opportunities to meet regularly with my teacher, His Grace Bishop John. When we met, I usually asked tough questions first. He would answer in some way. Then I would ask another and another.

Annunciation to St. Mary
Annunciation reminds us that Mary obeyed God and willingly submitted to God's will and helped to take away the curse that has brought about suffering and death. She became the WOMAN whose son took away the sins of humanity and abolished death. So Mary provided a body to God who is spirit, so that he can suffer on our behalf and die.

Footprints of infant Lord Jesus in Egypt
Many faithful since generations after generations believe that St. Joseph had taken the infant Jesus and his mother St. Mary into Egypt. There are 15 centers in Egypt that are honored as pilgrimage centers, where it is believed that St. Joseph had stayed with infant Lord Jesus and His mother, St. Mary.

"The Third Word of the Cross: Family" by: Rev. Adrian Dieleman
Like her son, Mary was not unacquainted with grief. Not at all! What sorrow it must have caused her when she had to lay her new-born son in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. What anguish must have been hers when she learned of Herod's plan to destroy her child. What hardship she faced when she was forced to flee to Egypt and stay there for several years.

Jesus’ Care For His Mother by Stephen Felker
Many times in Scripture the New Testament writers make an appeal to us based upon the example of Christ. Jesus is our example in so many, including the way He honored, and cared for His mother. Jesus knew and practiced Exodus 20:12, the 5th Commandment, “Honor your father and your mother.”

Intercessional Prayers to St. Mary

Prayer to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

Prayer to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (No. 2)

Intercessionary Prayer to Virgin Mary, Orthodox Prayer

Maronite Catholic: Qolo (Hymn) of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Maronite Hymn - "Fee Thoo-Lee"

Bhuswargam Perunnone
A Prayer used in the Syrian Orthodox (Jacobite) Liturgy for the Intercession by St. Mary. The songs are in Malayalam.

Dhanye Mathave
A Hymn sing before the public celebration of Holy Mass (Qurbono) by Syrian Orthodox (Jacobite) Church. It includes prayers for intercession by St. Mary (Mother of God) and St. Thomas.

Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Mother of God at the Confession of a Sinner

Magníficat

Intercessional Prayer to St. Mary Used by Mother Teresa

In Praise of Virginity by Ephrem of Edessa

Rasa-Intersession Prayer Song to St. Mary by Jeebo G. Kulathumkal - Malayalam

Rasa-Intersession Prayer Song to St. Mary by Jeebo G. Kulathumkal - Manglish

My Soul, Now Bless Thy Maker (Home) by Johann Gramann

Visitation (Poem) by Gene Fendt

Sermons on Mary Visits Elizabeth and on Magnificat

Blessed Virgin was Filled With God's Grace
by Pope John Paul II

The Beauty of the Hail Mary
by St. Louis Marie de Montfort

The Magnificat: Mary’s Own Prayer
by Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J.

Magnificat (Luke 1.46-55)
by Robert Austell

Mary's Psalm - Luke 1:46-55
by Steve Brandon

Magnificat: The Hymn of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Meditation on the Magnificat
by John Piper

The Keynote of a Choice Sonnet - Magnificat
by C. H. Spurgeon

A Harp of Ten Strings (Magnificat)
by C. H. Spurgeon

Sermon on Magnificat - The Hungry Filled, The Rich Emptied
by C. H. Spurgeon

Celebrate The Lord
by Alan Carr

Elizabeth - a Spiritual Guardian and Protector of Mary
by Rev. Dr. V Kurian Thomas, Valiyaparambil

The lad leaped for joy in the womb
by H G Yuhanon Meletius

Devotional Thoughts for the Sunday of visit of St. Mary to Elizabeth
by Jose Kurian Puliyeril

Great people are born first in the heart, not in the womb
by Very Rev. Dr. Yohannan Sankarathil Cor-Episcopa

Mary's Song (The Magnificat)
by C. H. Spurgeon

Mary, Mother of Jesus
by Edward F. Markquart, Seattle, WA

The Magnificat and God's Revolution
by Edward F. Markquart, Seattle, WA

A Harp of Ten Strings
by C. H. Spurgeon

First Thoughts on Luke 1:39-45
by William Loader, Murdoch University, Australia

Mary visits Elizabeth
by Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons

Magnifying the Lord
by Rev. Todd A. Linn, PhD, Henderson, KY

Lectionary Blogging: Luke 1: 39-56
by John Petty, Progressive Involvement

"When God Comes With Blessing"
by John Jewell

Old and New
by Larry Broding

Gospel Analysis: Mary's Visit To Elizabeth - The Magnificat - Luke 1:39-56
by Edward F. Markquart, Seattle, WA

Exegetical Notes on Luke 1:39-55
by Brian Stoffregen, Marysville, CA

Incarnation is an inside job.
by Peter Woods

Malankara World Journal Specials

Ettu Nombu and Nativity of St. Mary

Issue 161 Ettu Nomb Special - Day 1 - Sept 1, 2013

Issue 162 Ettu Nomb Special - Day 2 - Sept 2, 2013

Issue 163 Ettu Nomb Special - Day 3 - Sept 3, 2013

Issue 164 Ettu Nomb Special - Day 4 - Sept 4, 2013

Issue 165 Ettu Nomb Special - Day 5 - Sept 5, 2013

Issue 166 Ettu Nomb Special - Day 6 - Sept 6, 2013

Issue 167 Ettu Nomb Special - Day 7 - Sept 7, 2013

Issue 168 Nativity of St. Mary - Sept 8, 2013

Volume 2 No 95: Sep 7 2012
Nativity Feast of St. Mary - Special

Volume 2 No 94: Sep 4 2012
Ettu Nombu (8 Day Lent) Special 2

Volume 2 No 93: August 30 2012
Ettu Nombu (8 Day Lent) Special 1

Volume 1 No 28: September 8 2011
(Nativity of St. Mary Vigil Special - Day 8)

Volume 1 No 27: September 7 2011
(Nativity of St. Mary Vigil Special - Day 7)

Volume 1 No 26: September 6 2011
(Nativity of St. Mary Vigil Special - Day 6)

Volume 1 No 25: September 5 2011
(Nativity of St. Mary Vigil Special - Day 5)

Volume 1 No 24: September 4 2011
(Nativity of St. Mary Vigil Special - Day 4)

Volume 1 No 23: September 3 2011
(Nativity of St. Mary Vigil Special - Day 3)

Volume 1 No 22: September 2 2011
(Nativity of St. Mary Vigil Special - Day 2)

Volume 1 No 21: September 1 2011
(Nativity of St. Mary Vigil Special - Day 1)

Assumption of St. Mary

Volume 2 No 90: August 14 2012
Shunoyo (Assumption) Special

Volume 1 No 18: August 12 2011
Shunoyo Special

Annunciation to St. Mary

Volume 4 No 271: March 24, 2015
Special: Annunciation to St. Mary

Volume 4 No 247: November 21, 2014
Theme: Lessons from St. Mary - Faith

Volume 3 No 132: Mar 21 2013
Palm Sunday and Annunciation to St. Mary

Volume 2 No 111: Nov 29 2012
Theme: Advent - Magnificat, The Canticle of Mary

Volume 2 No 110: Nov 22 2012
Theme: Advent - Annunciation to St. Mary

Volume 2 No 65: March 22 2012

Volume 1 No 39: November 17 2011