The Orthodox Veneration of the Mother of God — Book by St John Maximovitch, Paperback

A right understanding of the Mother of God is essential to a right understanding of her Son: when her image is distorted, His image is distorted too. This small book, now a classic, explains how the Orthodox Church has venerated the Theotokos (Богородица) through the ages.

What the Church believes about the Mother of God

The author shows why the Virgin Mary should truly be called the Mother of God and honoured by all generations, drawing on Scripture and the Church Fathers. He also presents the ancient heresies that sought to diminish this veneration, and explains, with measure and faithfulness to Tradition, how the Orthodox view differs from some later teachings of the West.

A saint of modern times

The text is by St John Maximovitch (1896-1966), Archbishop of Shanghai and later of San Francisco, a wonderworker venerated around the world and glorified in 1994. It was translated and edited by Fr Seraphim Rose and is published by the St Herman of Alaska Brotherhood.

The cover shows the Russian icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" (Всех скорбящих Радость), surrounded by those she consoles. A fine gift for a feast of the Theotokos or for anyone who loves her.