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Orthodox Theological Texts #1
The Orthodox Veneration of Mary The Birthgiver of God
This concise work is a classic exposition of how the Christian Church has venerated the Mother of God throughout the ages, and the chief errors which have attacked this veneration. It clearly tells why the Virgin Mary should be honored by all generations, but not considered a co-redemptress along with Jesus Christ, the only Savior of the world. "For He hath looked upon the lowliness of His handmaiden; for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed." (Luke 1:48) A right understanding of Jesus Christ, the Son of God is not possible without a right understanding of Mary, the Birthgiver of God. When her image is distorted, the image of her Son also becomes distorted. The sources of Archbishop John's theology are, quite simply, Holy Scripture, the Holy Fathers (especially the great Fathers of the 4th and 5th centuries), and--most distinctively--the Divine services of the Orthodox Church. The latter source offers a clue to the practical approach of St. John to theology. From Apostolic times, all who truly love Christ give veneration to her who gave birth to Him, raised Him and protected Him in the days of His youth. In THE ORTHODOX VENERATION OF MARY THE BIRTHGIVER OF GOD, St. John traces her veneration from the time of the Apostles to the present.
88 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1961
51 people are currently reading
577 people want to read
About the author
John Maximovitch
22 books12 followersSt. John Maximovitch was born Michael Maximovtich on June 4, 1896 in the village of Adamovka in what was then southern Russia.
He attended Poltava Military School from 1907 to 1914 and then Kharkiv Imperial University from which he graduated with a law degree in 1918.
In 1921, he and his family fled Russia during the Bolshevik Revolution and civil war. They immigrated to Belgrade in what was then Yugoslavia where St. John enrolled in the University of Belgrade and earned a degree in theology.
In 1926 Metropolitan Anthony tonsured him a monk and then ordained him hierodeacon. He took the monastic name John after Saint John Maximovitch of Tobolsk who is his distant relative. He was elevated again to hieromonk that same year.
On May 28, 1934, St. John was consecrated bishop and sent to Diocese of Shanghai to serve the Russian diaspora in China. In 1946, he was named Archbishop of China.
After the end of World War II, the civil war in China resumed, and St. John and his flock once again were forced to flee a communist takeover. By 1949, most of the ethnic Russians living in Shanghai had become refugees in other countries. St. John traveled to Washington, D.C. to help secure immigration visas for his parishioners.
In 1951, St. John was transfered to the Archdiocese of Western Europe in Paris, and then in 1962, St. John was sent the Diocese of San Francisco in the United States where he oversaw the completion of the cathedral dedicated to the icon "The Mother of God Joy of All Who Sorrow" despite strong community opposition.
He died on June 19, 1966, in Seattle, Wastington while accompanying the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God on a tour. He was entombed in the cathedral Joy of All Who Sorrow in San Francisco.
In 1994, St. John the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco was officially canonized.
He attended Poltava Military School from 1907 to 1914 and then Kharkiv Imperial University from which he graduated with a law degree in 1918.
In 1921, he and his family fled Russia during the Bolshevik Revolution and civil war. They immigrated to Belgrade in what was then Yugoslavia where St. John enrolled in the University of Belgrade and earned a degree in theology.
In 1926 Metropolitan Anthony tonsured him a monk and then ordained him hierodeacon. He took the monastic name John after Saint John Maximovitch of Tobolsk who is his distant relative. He was elevated again to hieromonk that same year.
On May 28, 1934, St. John was consecrated bishop and sent to Diocese of Shanghai to serve the Russian diaspora in China. In 1946, he was named Archbishop of China.
After the end of World War II, the civil war in China resumed, and St. John and his flock once again were forced to flee a communist takeover. By 1949, most of the ethnic Russians living in Shanghai had become refugees in other countries. St. John traveled to Washington, D.C. to help secure immigration visas for his parishioners.
In 1951, St. John was transfered to the Archdiocese of Western Europe in Paris, and then in 1962, St. John was sent the Diocese of San Francisco in the United States where he oversaw the completion of the cathedral dedicated to the icon "The Mother of God Joy of All Who Sorrow" despite strong community opposition.
He died on June 19, 1966, in Seattle, Wastington while accompanying the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God on a tour. He was entombed in the cathedral Joy of All Who Sorrow in San Francisco.
In 1994, St. John the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco was officially canonized.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
January 15, 2014
In this short book there are some great insights. The best chapter comes with his engagement of the Roman Catholic doctrine of The Immaculate Conception. But when all is said and done just way too short.
February 20, 2023
The section where the author rapid fire quoted from the Fathers to counter the Catholic Churches dogma of Mary’s immaculate conception was worth the price of the book. As far as I’m concerned that chapter completely defends against Rome’s doctrinal development in this area.
Wish there was more meat in the section where he advocated for the eastern churches view of the Theotokos instead of the Eastern Orthodox standard “come to our liturgy :P” but even then I found plenty to disagree with on what he did argue for.
Overall good book and helpful with thinking through what the Fathers thought about in the area of her immaculate conception, not as much regarding the Orthodox Churches view.
Wish there was more meat in the section where he advocated for the eastern churches view of the Theotokos instead of the Eastern Orthodox standard “come to our liturgy :P” but even then I found plenty to disagree with on what he did argue for.
Overall good book and helpful with thinking through what the Fathers thought about in the area of her immaculate conception, not as much regarding the Orthodox Churches view.
April 23, 2008
THE ORTHODOX VENERATION OF MARY THE BIRTHGIVER OF GOD by Archbishop John Maximovitch, later canonized Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco by elements of the Russian Orthodox Church, is a short pamphlet. Seraphim Rose translated it as the first of a series of archbishop's writings in English.
The book is not a work of Orthodox apologetics directed towards Protestants searching for a solid basis for veneration of the Theotokos, as one might think. It is meant for Orthodox Christians to encourage them to more sincerely venerate the Theotokos and to guard against heresies involving her. The book consists of three main parts. The first is an account of attempts made against her veneration by heresiarchs from her dormition through the Jewish slander of her relationship with a Roman soldier, and finally on to the Nestorian and iconoclast heresies which were defeated by the Ecumenical Councils. The second part is a refutation of the Roman Catholic doctrine of the "immaculate conception", where Archbishop Maximovitch shows that in their zeal to praise the Theotokos, they really strip her of her saintly qualities. Finally, the last part summarizes all of Orthodoxy's hagiographical teachings on the life of the Theotokos.
While most of the book seems sound Orthodox theology and will better equip Orthodox Christians to respond to Protestant criticisms and Latin innovations, I was uncomfortable with a reference to the "aerial toll house" concept, where the soul is beset by demons after death and can only make it through by the grace of God. Most Orthodox consider this a gnostic heresy, and it derives from old Slavic schismatics. While I do think highly of much of the material in the book, I would only recommend it to people aware of the controversy of Rose's views on the soul after death.
The book is not a work of Orthodox apologetics directed towards Protestants searching for a solid basis for veneration of the Theotokos, as one might think. It is meant for Orthodox Christians to encourage them to more sincerely venerate the Theotokos and to guard against heresies involving her. The book consists of three main parts. The first is an account of attempts made against her veneration by heresiarchs from her dormition through the Jewish slander of her relationship with a Roman soldier, and finally on to the Nestorian and iconoclast heresies which were defeated by the Ecumenical Councils. The second part is a refutation of the Roman Catholic doctrine of the "immaculate conception", where Archbishop Maximovitch shows that in their zeal to praise the Theotokos, they really strip her of her saintly qualities. Finally, the last part summarizes all of Orthodoxy's hagiographical teachings on the life of the Theotokos.
While most of the book seems sound Orthodox theology and will better equip Orthodox Christians to respond to Protestant criticisms and Latin innovations, I was uncomfortable with a reference to the "aerial toll house" concept, where the soul is beset by demons after death and can only make it through by the grace of God. Most Orthodox consider this a gnostic heresy, and it derives from old Slavic schismatics. While I do think highly of much of the material in the book, I would only recommend it to people aware of the controversy of Rose's views on the soul after death.
December 20, 2021
As a Lutheran pastor, the veneration of Mary in Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions has often perplexed me. This short book by St John Maximovitch is probably the best introduction I've read on the subject.
Maximovitch is at-home in the Patristic literature and liturgy of the Church. He also competently uses the Bible while briefly explaining the handful of mariological texts. His concision and clarity while achieving such scope is noteworthy. This is neither a work of academic theology, however, nor is it a devotional pamphlet. If anything its an historical, liturgical, and spiritual defense for the Orthodox view over and against the Roman Catholic and Protestant views of Mary the Theotokos. I found the most interesting chapter to be the one where he dismantles the Roman view (only formally adopted in the 19th century) of the immaculate conception of Mary. The book is well illustrated throughout.
Anyone interested in the Orthodox understanding of Mary should also listen to Alexander Schmemann's excellent lectures from the early 1980s, collected and produced by Saint Vladimir Seminary in New York.
Maximovitch is at-home in the Patristic literature and liturgy of the Church. He also competently uses the Bible while briefly explaining the handful of mariological texts. His concision and clarity while achieving such scope is noteworthy. This is neither a work of academic theology, however, nor is it a devotional pamphlet. If anything its an historical, liturgical, and spiritual defense for the Orthodox view over and against the Roman Catholic and Protestant views of Mary the Theotokos. I found the most interesting chapter to be the one where he dismantles the Roman view (only formally adopted in the 19th century) of the immaculate conception of Mary. The book is well illustrated throughout.
Anyone interested in the Orthodox understanding of Mary should also listen to Alexander Schmemann's excellent lectures from the early 1980s, collected and produced by Saint Vladimir Seminary in New York.
November 18, 2025
A well-composed and easy insight for anyone who is only but a starter on Eastern-Orthodox theology and wants to be familiar with the Mother of God and writings of the Fathers and Monks of the Orthodox churches around the world.
It also comes with a nice introduction written by Fr. Seraphim Rose, who also translated the writings of St. John Maximovitch by himself, who writes about his insight on Maximovitch’ his opinions about other writings, how he had brought together - and learnt about - the scriptures and Traditions of the Church Fathers and the veneration of the Mother of God.
Ends with some prayers and has dedicated iconography. Lovely read.
It also comes with a nice introduction written by Fr. Seraphim Rose, who also translated the writings of St. John Maximovitch by himself, who writes about his insight on Maximovitch’ his opinions about other writings, how he had brought together - and learnt about - the scriptures and Traditions of the Church Fathers and the veneration of the Mother of God.
Ends with some prayers and has dedicated iconography. Lovely read.
June 12, 2015
This is actually a quite balance view, based on Holy Scripture and Tradition.
Written from an Orthodox to Orthodox people but non-Orthodox can glean from it too.
Though not written in an apologetic manner, the author denounces the inventions of the Roman church, the protestant neglect, and the dangerous tendencies among Orthodox people.
His chapter on why she was not conceived without sin contributes a lot a balance approach and practice, citing Latin authorities in favor of the Eastern Orthodox balance view.
Written from an Orthodox to Orthodox people but non-Orthodox can glean from it too.
Though not written in an apologetic manner, the author denounces the inventions of the Roman church, the protestant neglect, and the dangerous tendencies among Orthodox people.
His chapter on why she was not conceived without sin contributes a lot a balance approach and practice, citing Latin authorities in favor of the Eastern Orthodox balance view.
September 9, 2015
That this work is written by a saint is the least of the reasons to recommend it. The clarity, concision, and understanding of the Church's ancient teachings eludes Fr Sergei Bulgakov in his rival piece The Burning Bush. I cannot overemphasize the importance of this difference, because it places S. John's significantly shorter work leaps and bounds ahead of Bulgakov's more meandering and misleading piece, and leaves no room for the misinterpretation that Bulgakov has suffered at the hands of non-Orthodox scholars and theologians.
February 19, 2018
An absolute must read for Christians of any denomination. For non-Christians who are perplexed by The Virgin Mary, this is a very easy to read, concise summary.
March 28, 2023
Fantastic introduction that properly frames the place of the holy Theotokos in Orthodoxy. Recommended reading especially for anyone from a Western background as it sets right certain presuppositions you may have about the Theotokos that stem from heterodox Mariology.
Saint John Maximovitch, as described by Fr. Seraphim Rose in the introduction, did not compose this work to be a polemic but as a simple and digestible explanation of what the Theotokos is and what She is not; a presentation of what Scripture and Tradition have handed down to us concerning the Mother of God.
He explains the various attempts throughout history to discredit her, as to discredit the Theotokos is to discredit Christ himself. The evil one attempted to attack the honour and glorification of the Theotokos first physically, then with slander, then with false teachings and heresies such as Nestorianism, then with iconoclasm. After these had been put to shame and defeated, a yet more cunning attempt was made: the Roman dogma of immaculate conception, a novel dogma developed according to zeal without knowledge. A dogma that denies all the virtues of the Theotokos at best and makes her a fourth hypostasis at worst.
The book then finishes up with a summary of the place of the Theotokos in the Orthodox Church and the importance of glorifying her only according to the glory that God has given her, no more and no less - in contrast to both the modern Protestants who deny the glory of the Theotokos and to the Roman Papists who incorrectly overstate it through theological innovation.
Saint John Maximovitch, as described by Fr. Seraphim Rose in the introduction, did not compose this work to be a polemic but as a simple and digestible explanation of what the Theotokos is and what She is not; a presentation of what Scripture and Tradition have handed down to us concerning the Mother of God.
He explains the various attempts throughout history to discredit her, as to discredit the Theotokos is to discredit Christ himself. The evil one attempted to attack the honour and glorification of the Theotokos first physically, then with slander, then with false teachings and heresies such as Nestorianism, then with iconoclasm. After these had been put to shame and defeated, a yet more cunning attempt was made: the Roman dogma of immaculate conception, a novel dogma developed according to zeal without knowledge. A dogma that denies all the virtues of the Theotokos at best and makes her a fourth hypostasis at worst.
The book then finishes up with a summary of the place of the Theotokos in the Orthodox Church and the importance of glorifying her only according to the glory that God has given her, no more and no less - in contrast to both the modern Protestants who deny the glory of the Theotokos and to the Roman Papists who incorrectly overstate it through theological innovation.
January 10, 2025
The intro is just as good as the book itself. Fr Seraphim Rose communicates the orthodox manner of theologizing in as straightforward a manner as is possible.
November 4, 2024
Fantastic overview of the Orthodox ethos and Orthodox Patristic Ethos in particular on the esteemed place of the Virgin within the Church. Filled with church history, patristic witness and liturgical hymnography surrounding the Virgin. Simple and concise.
July 12, 2011
While perhaps not an ideal starting point for Protestants and even most Roman Catholics, this short treatise on the veneration of the Theotokos presents a powerful case for nearly two thousand years of truly ancient Christian practice and understanding.
My only real critique is that there just wasn't enough there to really sink my teeth into. Seraphim Rose's involvement as translator concerned me somewhat, as some of his own ideas have been described as rather gnosticin flavor. Not to worry...deftly handled.
BT
My only real critique is that there just wasn't enough there to really sink my teeth into. Seraphim Rose's involvement as translator concerned me somewhat, as some of his own ideas have been described as rather gnosticin flavor. Not to worry...deftly handled.
BT
June 19, 2023
This book nicely laid out the Orthodox practice of Marian veneration over and against the heresy’s of Church history, including the innovations of Rome. Overall a good primer to the subject with much to agree with.
Unfortunately much of the evidence used to support Marian doctrines relied (perhaps) too heavily on dubious tradition, with not enough appeal to Scripture. I feel as though a better foundation would have bolstered the claims and defense contained in the pages of this book.
Unfortunately much of the evidence used to support Marian doctrines relied (perhaps) too heavily on dubious tradition, with not enough appeal to Scripture. I feel as though a better foundation would have bolstered the claims and defense contained in the pages of this book.
February 8, 2022
A concise overview of Orthodox recieved tradition concerning the the proper veneration and respect towards Out Most Holy Lady Theotokos versus the innovative teachings of Roman Catholics and Protestants.
July 2, 2014
It seems good to review this on St. John's Feast Day, an excellent collection of essays about the Theotokos in the Orthodox understanding.
Want to read
September 8, 2021The Orthodox Veneration of the Mother of God
by John Maximovitch
Archbishop John Maximovitch, later canonized as Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco, wrote this short pamphlet. Fr. Seraphim Rose translated it as the first of a series of archbishop's writings in English.
This book is probably one of my favourite works of literature. Not for its fancy words or beautiful prose, but for its catechetical value. This book simply explains the dogmas surrounding the Mother of God. The book’s target audience is not the non-orthodox. It’s original purpose was to be a short catechetical work for the faithful. Overall an amazing book. But I doubt that a Catholic or a Protestant would be convinced by the arguments. This is a situation where we have to approach with love first rather than argumentativeness; St. John doesn't frame things in terms of a debate, rather he simply states the tradition as it was received.
The longest and best chapter (in my opinion). Was the chapter where St. John refutes the Catholic dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Clearly stating why the orthodox give the Virgin Mary proper veneration. We neither give her too much veneration as the catholics do. But we do not go to the other extreme and totally forget about her as the protestants do. We (as othodox christians) walk the middle ground between left and right when it comes to the veneration of our most Holy Lady.
The book also includes a short introduction to the theology of Saint John Maximovitch, as well the Akathist Hymn.
The only real critique is that there just wasn't enough there to really sink my teeth into. This book is just too short for some people's tastes. Some people have also said that Seraphim Rose's involvement as translator concerns them. Because some of his own ideas have been described as gnostic. But I don't see any of that in this book.
So overall a great read for both the Orthodox Christian and the orthodox inquirer.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
by John Maximovitch
Archbishop John Maximovitch, later canonized as Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco, wrote this short pamphlet. Fr. Seraphim Rose translated it as the first of a series of archbishop's writings in English.
This book is probably one of my favourite works of literature. Not for its fancy words or beautiful prose, but for its catechetical value. This book simply explains the dogmas surrounding the Mother of God. The book’s target audience is not the non-orthodox. It’s original purpose was to be a short catechetical work for the faithful. Overall an amazing book. But I doubt that a Catholic or a Protestant would be convinced by the arguments. This is a situation where we have to approach with love first rather than argumentativeness; St. John doesn't frame things in terms of a debate, rather he simply states the tradition as it was received.
The longest and best chapter (in my opinion). Was the chapter where St. John refutes the Catholic dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Clearly stating why the orthodox give the Virgin Mary proper veneration. We neither give her too much veneration as the catholics do. But we do not go to the other extreme and totally forget about her as the protestants do. We (as othodox christians) walk the middle ground between left and right when it comes to the veneration of our most Holy Lady.
The book also includes a short introduction to the theology of Saint John Maximovitch, as well the Akathist Hymn.
The only real critique is that there just wasn't enough there to really sink my teeth into. This book is just too short for some people's tastes. Some people have also said that Seraphim Rose's involvement as translator concerns them. Because some of his own ideas have been described as gnostic. But I don't see any of that in this book.
So overall a great read for both the Orthodox Christian and the orthodox inquirer.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
August 1, 2023
As per recommendation: by pure coincidence, I read this book on the first day of the Dormition Fast. Very timely! I liked how thorough yet simple of a read it was on a topic that many converts to Orthodoxy have questions about.
This is a translation by Fr. Seraphim Rose of a treatise written by St. John Maximovitch concerning the Orthodox practice of venerating Mary, the mother of Jesus. He briefly goes through the history of her veneration in the Early Church, recounts the various heresies that church encountered, and includes a refutation of the Roman Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. The book also includes the full Akathist by St. Romanos to the Theotokos and a brief prayer to her as well.
I mean, this is definitely an easy read. Very short, I finished it in about an hour, but informative. I like that it gives a nice historical overview of both the life of Mary and how the first Christians viewed her and then how veneration of her developed, was challenged, and was then mispresented, especially in the West. It has a poetic way to it, but is definitely accessible to the average reader. It touches briefly on all of the complaints about veneration of Mary and gives a good, simplistic overview of the faith. The addition of the Akathist was a nice touch!
I think this is a great book for beginners. I think someone who has been Orthodox for awhile would probably find it a bit redundant and maybe too simplistic, but it is ultimately written for people who are just beginning their Orthodox journey or have questions about how veneration of her came to be. I think I could've used a little more depth, but it was a nice "refresher" course for me. Definitely, if you're new to Orthodoxy, I think this book is well worth the read and could maybe help guide conversations about Mary with your priest.
Most Holy Theotokos and St. John of San Francisco, intercede for me!
This is a translation by Fr. Seraphim Rose of a treatise written by St. John Maximovitch concerning the Orthodox practice of venerating Mary, the mother of Jesus. He briefly goes through the history of her veneration in the Early Church, recounts the various heresies that church encountered, and includes a refutation of the Roman Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. The book also includes the full Akathist by St. Romanos to the Theotokos and a brief prayer to her as well.
I mean, this is definitely an easy read. Very short, I finished it in about an hour, but informative. I like that it gives a nice historical overview of both the life of Mary and how the first Christians viewed her and then how veneration of her developed, was challenged, and was then mispresented, especially in the West. It has a poetic way to it, but is definitely accessible to the average reader. It touches briefly on all of the complaints about veneration of Mary and gives a good, simplistic overview of the faith. The addition of the Akathist was a nice touch!
I think this is a great book for beginners. I think someone who has been Orthodox for awhile would probably find it a bit redundant and maybe too simplistic, but it is ultimately written for people who are just beginning their Orthodox journey or have questions about how veneration of her came to be. I think I could've used a little more depth, but it was a nice "refresher" course for me. Definitely, if you're new to Orthodoxy, I think this book is well worth the read and could maybe help guide conversations about Mary with your priest.
Most Holy Theotokos and St. John of San Francisco, intercede for me!
October 16, 2020
Very good introduction to the Orthodox perspective on the veneration of the Mother of God. Goes through the history of the Orthodox defense of the doctrine from those who wanted to subvert it. I think the chapter that analyzes and critiques the Roman Catholic position was super helpful to see that veneration of the Mother of God does mean the XYZ abuses and misunderstandings that people see in the western expressions of the doctrine and practice. I think this book would great intro and quick read for a Protestant who recoils at the Roman Catholic expression of the veneration of Mary yet recognize that historically she has been honored by the Church. I don't want to say it is a middle way between Papists and Protestants but in some ways it is.
September 24, 2023
This short book goes over various heresies regarding the Virgin Mary. It starts by refuting those who refused to venerate her, then addresses the heretics who attempted to dishonor her ever-virginity. It goes over the Nestorian heresies, the iconoclasts attempts to lessen her glory, the Roman heresies of the immaculate conception; and then finally the orthodox view of the proper veneration due her.
This was a very concise, helpful, theological work for those coming into Orthodoxy from a Protestant or Catholic background.
In particular, I found the chapter on the Immaculate Conception to be extremely well done, as the implications of this doctrine show very clearly why the Catholic faith is not the true faith.
Highly recommend this one!
This was a very concise, helpful, theological work for those coming into Orthodoxy from a Protestant or Catholic background.
In particular, I found the chapter on the Immaculate Conception to be extremely well done, as the implications of this doctrine show very clearly why the Catholic faith is not the true faith.
Highly recommend this one!
May 1, 2024
3.5/5 stars
St. John Maximovich's exploration of the Orthodox veneration of the Mother of God adeptly delves into the apostolic foundation for such reverence while also offering a comprehensive history of the assaults on this venerable tradition and the Orthodox Church's staunch defense of it. However, the book's large focus on delineating the Roman Church's post-schism departures, particularly regarding the doctrines of the immaculate conception and Mary's role as Coredemptrous, seems disproportionate considering the subject of the book. Instead, a deeper exploration of the practical veneration actions of Orthodox believers and the historical context behind them could have balanced the discourse, complementing the robust defense of apostolic tradition presented throughout the text.
St. John Maximovich's exploration of the Orthodox veneration of the Mother of God adeptly delves into the apostolic foundation for such reverence while also offering a comprehensive history of the assaults on this venerable tradition and the Orthodox Church's staunch defense of it. However, the book's large focus on delineating the Roman Church's post-schism departures, particularly regarding the doctrines of the immaculate conception and Mary's role as Coredemptrous, seems disproportionate considering the subject of the book. Instead, a deeper exploration of the practical veneration actions of Orthodox believers and the historical context behind them could have balanced the discourse, complementing the robust defense of apostolic tradition presented throughout the text.
June 3, 2025
This book is an incredible resource regarding the Orthodox veneration of the Mother of God. St. John Maximovitch uses language that is easy to understand for the inquirer, but full of depth and knowledge for the more experienced Orthodox reader. He provides numerous examples of theology and veneration in the writings of the Holy Fathers and the liturgical cycle. This book does not come across as overly theological, but instead truly feels like a continuation of Tradition, a conversation with a spiritual father, very helpful and wise without being philosophical or scholastic in nature. And the introduction by Fr. Seraphim Rose is excellent as well. I finished it in a day, 10/10 would recommend.
April 11, 2025
I enjoyed this book and found much of its content to help the reader gather a proper appreciation and Veneration for The Mother of God. St John shows the issue with a lot of Protestantism having lesser of an opinion on Mary by things like denying The ever Virginity of her. He also goes decently in depth on the Immaculate Conception doctrine In RC and how that lessens her by giving to her which she does not have. He also talks about Nestorianism and other early heresies. Good refutations but also good Orthodox teachings on Mary. Overall good short read. Most Holy Theotokos pray for us all.
May 30, 2018
St. John Maximovitch presents a primer on the Orthodox Veneration of the Theotokos.
Many believe that Orthodox (and Catholics, mostly) "worship" the Holy Theotokos. Of course, Orthodox see this as absurd. This quick read (and by quick, I mean in page count, certainly not in depth or content), is a great understanding of what the Orthodox believe and why.
An enjoyable work to be added to your theology section, for sure.
Many believe that Orthodox (and Catholics, mostly) "worship" the Holy Theotokos. Of course, Orthodox see this as absurd. This quick read (and by quick, I mean in page count, certainly not in depth or content), is a great understanding of what the Orthodox believe and why.
An enjoyable work to be added to your theology section, for sure.
August 2, 2021
St. John Maximovitch states in layman’s terms the prominent place the Mother of God has in the church and presents arguments for the Orthodox veneration of Her. He includes many quotes from scripture and church fathers to back up his claims. I suggest this read not only for Orthodox Christians wanting to learn about the Theotokos, but for other Christians who are curious about the place She has in older versions of Christianity.
September 4, 2024
A necessary piece of literature in understanding the history and tradition of the Theotokos in the first millennium and beyond. Saint John Maximovitch takes great care to accurately go into the fundamentals of how the Panagia has been venerated in the Christian tradition as a whole, detailing the views of the Roman Catholics and the Protestants as well. If you’re looking to study the place of the Theotokos holistically in Christendom, this book is a simple, inspired, and essential read.
March 14, 2023
As a protestant slowly coming to orthodoxy, this book was an exposure and explanation I will always cherish. I had no idea the value and relevance of Mary. It's concise and easy to understand, even as a layman with no understanding of Her.
I recommend reading this book to anyone who claims to love Jesus.
I recommend reading this book to anyone who claims to love Jesus.
February 24, 2025
Fantastic book on the Theotokos and very clear read! Goes over her life, the Orthodox veneration of her, many heresies in the Roman Catholic Church, why the Orthodox stand firm in their beliefs of her, and the Akathist to her! Many icons and their descriptions throughout the book!! Most Holy Theotokos please save us!
April 23, 2025
This is a great book, it gives some history on how the disciples used to venerate the Holy Theotokos and it also talks about the heretics who tried to stop and deceive people to not venerate the Holy Theotokos. At the end of the book there is a Akathists to the Theotokos. I highly recommend people to buy this book It's short and cheap and totally worth it.
September 18, 2025
your telling me The Virgin Mary ain't never fucked? ever? for real? aight.
your telling me that all the disciples took like a floo powder channel thing to get to Mary's funeral and when someone badmouthed her the angel micheal cut off their hand, they apologized, and became saved?
seems a bit like the mob but I'm into it that's cool
your telling me that all the disciples took like a floo powder channel thing to get to Mary's funeral and when someone badmouthed her the angel micheal cut off their hand, they apologized, and became saved?
seems a bit like the mob but I'm into it that's cool
April 9, 2020
This book is a MUST READ for every person who calls themselves a Christian. Why? There is more to being a Christian than the reformation. It's time to become educated about your Christian heritage & why it's ok, even necessary, to venerate, Mary.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews