'The Lost Gospel of Mary: The Mother of Jesus in Three Ancient Texts'

[Paul]

http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Gospel-Mary-Mother-Ancient/dp/1557255369

I've developed an interest in Mary, and have come across this book.
Would it be reccomended as Orthodox reading.
Or is there something more suitable out there?

It sounds very appealing, are these writings recognised in the Orthodox Church and is there someway i can get hold of them maybe online, or in an Orthodox translation?

Be grateful of your help.
Thanks.
Paul

[Paul]

Sorry, i misunderstood one of the reviewers on Amazon.
I thought she was Protestant.

Has anyone read any of her books and would they reccomend this or her as an author on Orthodox Christianity?

Thanks.
Paul.

[Herman Blaydoe]

I heartily recommend most anything written by Khouri Frederica. She is an Orthodox Christian, wife of an Orthodox priest, converts from Anglicanism. I have her book "Facing East" and I thought it a very good read. Just be aware that in style she has more in common with Erma Bombeck than Alexander Schmemman and you will do fine.

[Paul]

I'm sorry that was wasted on me, i don't know who Erma Bombeck or Alexander Schmemman are.

Thanks for the reccomendation of her though.

Paul.

[Paul Cowan]

Welcome to another Paul. I have met more Paul's in the last 3 years, than I have in my whole life combined.

The author of this book is the same as Herman mentions. She is one of the premier if not the premier Orthodox writer today. I have not read this book, but do recommend her to read. Also you can hear her on Ancient Faith Radio on the podcasts section ( I believe).

If you have the opportunity, also read the other 2 authors even if you don't know them. As you research Orthodoxy, more authors will come out of the woodwork. You may appreciate their style and knowledge anyway. Most of the authors I speak of died over 1600 years ago.

Paul

[Kris]

Hi,

I haven't read the book you're asking about, but if you're interested in learning about the Blessed Virgin I would recommend The Life of the Virgin Mary Theotokos by Holy Apostles Convent.

It is available from the convent's website or Amazon.com

[Herman Blaydoe]

Fr. Alexander was a preeminent contemporary theologian in the American Orthodox scene. Erma Bombeck was a "folksy" columnist and author known for her rather home-spun humor. One of her best known books is "The Grass is always Greener over the Septic Tank".

Khouria Frederica is a very "down-to-earth" sort. You can find out more about her at her website: Frederica Matthewes Green (http://www.frederica.com)

[Paul]

I read Frederica Matthewes Green, I found it an easyish read.
It wasn't a heavy or deep read.

I felt after reading the book, I wanted to a little more depth.
So I got the reccomended The Life of the Virgin Mary Theotokos by Holy Apostles Convent.

But this I wan't able to keep my interest in.
I'm not saying it's not a good book, but maybe it's meant for those fimiliar with Orthodoxy.
I don't think it was something I was ready for.

I have read some of the early Church Fathers, and although they do sometimes get heavy, I find I get a lot from them.

I can't remember exactly when my interest in Saint Mary started, but know the clip from The Passion of the Christ, when she sees Christ carrying His cross and falling, and remembers Him as a child falling and running to Him.
I found this very moving, and opened my mind to the love she must have had for her son, and the suffering she also suffered out of love.

If anyone here would like the book the Lost Gospel of Mary by Frederica Matthewes Green, as I've finished it, I'd be happy to send it to you at no cost.

I'll keep The Life of the Virgin Mary, hopefully I'll get back to it.

I've ordered the way of a pilgrim, I've heard of it before, and think it was an inspired peice from that book that got me interested in Orthodoxy.

Thanks.
In Love.
Paul

[Nina]

I can't remember exactly when my interest in Saint Mary started, but know the clip from The Passion of the Christ, when she sees Christ carrying His cross and falling, and remembers Him as a child falling and running to Him.
I found this very moving, and opened my mind to the love she must have had for her son, and the suffering she also suffered out of love.
Thanks.
In Love.
Paul

You are making me have tears now. That indeed is a very moving scene. It is such a blessing to hear that that scene awakened in you the interest in the Virgin Mary.

I think it is a wise idea to keep the book 'The life of the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos' because you will find yourself going back again and again to it. Also since you prefer and understand more the early Church Fathers (which is so wonderful!), it is good to keep that book because it refers and quotes often the teachings of the Church Fathers about the Theotokos. Even if only you look up the references there for directing you to the source.

An advise from me that probably you should take with lots and lots of salt (like always). Do not rush yourself to read all the things about the Theotokos. Take your time. As you read more about Orthodoxy and become more and more familiar with it and its writings, you will discover many things about the Theotokos in books, or writings that we do not even imagine there might be something about her. Because she is such a central figure in Orthodoxy you will gather bits of information and knowledge about her everywhere and create a picture and a relationship with her.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and the seeking! It is such a blessing to witness it (even if it is on line). May God bless this yearning of yours and may He lead you always!

[Paul]

You are making me have tears now. That indeed is a very moving scene. It is such a blessing to hear that that scene awakened in you the interest in the Virgin Mary.

I think it is a wise idea to keep the book 'The life of the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos' because you will find yourself going back again and again to it. Also since you prefer and understand more the early Church Fathers (which is so wonderful!), it is good to keep that book because it refers and quotes often the teachings of the Church Fathers about the Theotokos. Even if only you look up the references there for directing you to the source.

An advise from me that probably you should take with lots and lots of salt (like always). Do not rush yourself to read all the things about the Theotokos. Take your time. As you read more about Orthodoxy and become more and more familiar with it and its writings, you will discover many things about the Theotokos in books, or writings that we do not even imagine there might be something about her. Because she is such a central figure in Orthodoxy you will gather bits of information and knowledge about her everywhere and create a picture and a relationship with her.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and the seeking! It is such a blessing to witness it (even if it is on line). May God bless this yearning of yours and may He lead you always!

Thank you.
I think it good advice.

I'm not a great fan of the film the Passion of the Christ, but that scene made the whole film worthwhile to me.
It really is very moving, and I think a very good witness at least to me, of the love and feelings,the motherhood of this woman which we don't really know a great lot about from Scripture, nor really her life after.

Yes I hope I will gain much from this book in future, and hopefully other sources.

Thank you for your kind words.
May God lead us all, and grant us a yearning for His love always, and lives living it.

Paul.

[Effie Ganatsios]

Paul, here is some information for you :

Virgin Mary, our most gracious Queen and our hope; shelter of orphans, and protector of travelers, joy of the grieving, interceder for the abused! See our distress; see our affliction. Assist us, for we are helpless; direct us, for we are strangers. You know our offense, — ease it as You will. For we have no other help but Yours; no other intercessor, nor gracious consoler but You. O Virgin Mary. Protect us and shelter us for all time. Amen.

Troparion: It is truly meet to bless Thee, O Theotokos, the ever blessed and most immaculate, and the Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim. Thee, who without defilement gavest birth to God the Word, the true Mother of God, we magnify Thee.

Vesper's Troparion: Theotokos Virgin! Rejoice Blessed Mary, the Lord is with You! Blessed are You among women, and blessed is the Fruit of Your womb, because You gave birth to the Savior of our souls.

Some feast days in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Annunciation – March 25/April 7; Dormition – August 15/28; Birth – September 8/21; Holy Protection – October 1/14; Presentation to the Temple – November 21/December 4.

http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/mary.htm

A Homily on the Dormition of Our Supremely Pure Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

by St. Gregory Palamas (1296 - 1359 AD)

http://home.it.net.au/~jgrapsas/pages/Mary.htm

We celebrate the Dormition of the Holy Virgin (Aghia Parthena) in 2 days time and I believe you would find the above interesting reading.

Effie

I've been trying to find an old site I remember that had the Theotokos' life after the death and resurrection of Christ, but I've been unsuccessful so far. I'll keep trying though.

[Effie Ganatsios]

Paul, you might find the below Akathist to the Theotokos interesting.

In Greek, it is called "oi xairetismi" = Hails/Greetings (sorry, doesn't translate any better) to the Holy Virgin. This is our most holy hymn to our Theotokos and it is so beautiful that you will feel close to Her when saying it to yourself or hearing it sung in church.

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/akathis.html

Effie

I'm just going to add the 12th Chant so that you can see so wonderful it is :

TWELFTH CHANT
By singing praise to your maternity, we all exalt you as a spiritual temple, Mother of God! For the One Who Dwelt Within Your Womb, the Lord Who Holds All Things in His Hands, sanctified you, glorified you, and taught all men to sing to you:
Hail, O Tabernacle of God the Word!
Hail, O Holy One, more holy than the saints!
Hail, O Ark that the Spirit has gilded!
Hail, Inexhaustible Treasure of Life!
Hail, Precious Crown of rightful authorities!
Hail, Sacred Glory of reverent priests!
Hail, Unshakable Tower of the Church!
Hail, Unbreachable Wall of the Kingdom!
Hail, O you through whom the trophies are raised!
Hail, O you through whome the enemies are routed!
Hail, O healing of my body!
Hail, O salvation of my soul!
Hail, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure!

[RESPONSE]: Hail, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure!


KONTAKION
O Mother worthy of all praise, you who have given birth to the Word, the Holiest of the Holy, accept this present offering, deliver all men from every affliction, and save from the future punishment those who cry out to you: "Alleluia!""





Hail, inexhaustible Treasure of Life