Why is Venerating Mary Controversial?

The veneration of Mary is deeply rooted within Orthodox Christianity, dating back to the early centuries of the Church. For many Christians she is controversial. Here are some of the possible reasons for controversy:

Some Christians may mistakenly perceive Orthodox veneration as worship, equating it with the worship of God alone. Orthodox Christian do not worship Mary. Veneration is the same as honoring connected with an act like bowing in front of or kissing a picture of her. This misunderstanding can evoke strong emotional reactions; as they see it as worship, a violation of their fundamental understanding of the proper relationship between man and God.

Historically there are instances where veneration was taken to extreme levels, especially in the Roman church. Such imbalanced practices do detract from the centrality of Christ. The Orthodox Church teaches a balanced veneration of Mary avoiding this detraction.

Perception of a lack of Scriptural support by some Christians because of a Protestant doctrine Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), which  grants  primary authority to the Bible, rejecting much of early church sacred tradition. As a result, practices such as the veneration of Mary, may not be seen as clearly Scriptural and therefore deemed false and inappropriate.

Protestant do not allow for intercessory prayer of saints, including Mary, believing prayer should be directed only directly to God. Orthodox do pray to Mary and the saints to intercede on their behalf with God, but his does not restrict them from praying directly to Jesus Christ. Their rejection of such intercession, can contribute to a perceived aversion towards Mary. Most of these objections stem from the Protestant Reformation when there were concerns about perceived excessive devotion and veneration of Mary and the saints, along with other issues within the Roman church (The Orthodox Churches were not involved in these issues). The resulting Reformation movements sought to bring the focus back to Christ alone. However, this central focus was never lost in the Orthodox churches.

The early Church embraced the veneration of Mary with biblical support. The New Testament contains several passages that highlight Mary's unique role in the Incarnation. The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38); Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55); and and her presence at significant moments in Jesus' life, such as the Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11) and His Crucifixion, all contribute to the special honor and veneration given to her. Also, when archangel Gabriel came to give Mary God’s message about His plan for her role in the Incarnation, he greeted her saying, “Hail, thou art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: Blessed art thou among women" (Luke 1: 28). As a result, in the Orthodox Church she is seen as the most blessed among all the saints.

The veneration of Mary is found in early writings of the Church Fathers. For example, the Protoevangelium of James, a 2nd-century apocryphal work, contains stories and traditions about Mary's birth and upbringing. Such stories were not made part of the Gospels because they  were focused only on the life of Jesus. The writings of early Church theologians like Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Origen also demonstrate an understanding of Mary's unique role in salvation history and her exemplary faith.

The Ecumenical Councils affirmed Mary's essential role as the birth-giver of God. Councils made up of the Bishops of the whole Church in the 4th and 5th centuries, clarified Orthodox Christological doctrines, which influenced the veneration of Mary. The Council of Ephesus in 431 affirmed Mary as Theotokos, meaning the birth-giver or mother of God, defending the belief in the hypostatic union of the divine and human natures in Jesus Christ. This recognition of Mary's role in the Incarnation of giving flesh to Jesus, further solidified her unique status within Orthodox Christian practice. 

The development of Orthodox liturgical practices, hymnography,  iconography and other early Christian traditions also contributed to the widespread veneration of Mary. Hymns such as the Akathist Hymn, composed in the 6th century, exalt Mary's virtues and her role as the Theotokos. Feasts dedicated to honoring her as Theotokos became an integral part of Orthodox Christian worship.

There is a large prominent icon of Mary in the apse of many Orthodox church’s. This can lead non-Orthodox visitors to think that we worship her. This location was chosen for her icon because it is an intermediary location between the highest point of the church representing heaven, and the floor representing earth. This is done to emphasize her role as the God chosen vehicle for bringing the Son of God from Heaven to Earth. The focal point in an Orthodox church is the altar where you always find a cross with Christ Crucified. Also, in the center of the dome found in most Orthodox churches, there is a large icon of Christ. Mary is always represented holding Christ as a child, emphasizing her significant role. Church Architecture and iconography since the early church emphasizes the centrality of Christ.

In the Roman church there is a modern doctrine claiming  immaculate conception of Mary that Orthodox Christians reject,. This innovative idea makes her too much like Christ and can lead people to think she should be worshiped instead of venerated. This is a modern Roman doctrine was seen as a way to honor Mary's perfection, and to exalt her as the most holy and sinless human being. It was deemed necessary because of their interpretation of Original Sin. It preserved her from the taint of sin throughout her entire life establishing her as a model of holiness and a powerful intercessor for Roman believers. 

The controversy about Mary arises from misunderstandings, misconceptions, and theological differences. By promoting understanding and providing a comprehensive explanation of the Orthodox perspective, meaningful dialogue can take place, fostering mutual respect and appreciation among Christians of different traditions. It is crucial to recognize that for Orthodox Christians:

Venerating Mary is not worship; 

It does not diminish the central focus on Christ; 

It highlights her unique role in salvation history and her faithful response to God's plan.

By acknowledging the historical development of the veneration of Mary in the early Church, rooted in biblical passages, early Christian writings, and the decisions of Ecumenical Councils, one can appreciate the significance she holds within Orthodox Christianity. The use of hymns, icons, and liturgical practices through the ages further enriches the understanding and expression of her role as Theotokos.

The veneration of Mary within Orthodox Christianity is a deeply meaningful and cherished practice that serves to honor her unique role as the Mother of God. It is a testament to her faithfulness, obedience, and cooperation with God's plan. By promoting understanding and open dialogue, understanding the reason for the controversies, the veneration of Mary can be approached with respect and a shared commitment to unity in Christ.