The Perpetual Virginity of Mary (Teachings of the Orthodox Church)

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Don't be anxious for your life, what you will eat, nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they don't sow, they don't reap, they have no warehouse or barn, and God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than birds! Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his height? If then you aren't able to do even the least things, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if this is how God clothes the grass in the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith? Don't seek what you will eat or what you will drink; neither be anxious. For the nations of the world seek after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek God's Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you.

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	The Perpetual Virginity of Mary (Teachings of the Orthodox Church)

QUESTION:

The Bible refers to Jesus as having "brothers" -- e.g., "He was still addressing the crowds when His mother and His brothers appeared outside to speak with Him."

Saint Jerome (the translator of the Bible into the latin vulgate) was a champion of the defense of Mary's prepetual virginity in the fifth century. The Roman Catholic church subscribes to this belief stating that Jesus' brothers are not Mary's children. They might have been Joseph's from a previous marriage, adopted, or actually cousins who lived in the same household.

Many protestant churches teach that Jesus' brothers are Mary's other male children.

What is the Orthodox Church's thinking concerning the prepetual virginity of Mary?

ANSWER:

Concerning Mary's perpetual virginity, the Orthodox Church also holds firmly to this doctrine. We firmly believe that Mary remained a virgin after she gave birth to Christ, while we reject the notion that she had other children after Him.

In the case of the word "brother," it is clear that it has meanings other than biological, as you note.

Published in January 2011.

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