Mother Mary: The Fountain of Purity

This post is part of an ongoing series reflecting on Mary and her role in Christian theology.

In the name of God the Father, Christ Jesus His Son and the Holy Spirit, One True God. Amen

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus

In the previous post, we endeavoured to explore the Oriental Orthodox perspective on Mother Mary as Theotokos, her veneration during the 15-day Dormition Fast, and her theological significance. We also tried to compare the Roman Catholic and Orthodox views and discover patristic teachings and titles of the Blessed Mother.

Introduction

In the rich tradition of Christianity, few figures are as honored and thought about as the Blessed Theotokos, Mother of Jesus Christ. The Oriental Orthodox Churches have developed a deep and beautiful understanding of Mary through centuries of theological reflection and spiritual practice.

Through this series of blog posts, we’ll explore the various names given to the Blessed Theotokos. In the intercessory prayers to Theotokos, in the Manitho, we sing:

“The mys’try which was hidden
Throughout all generations
Was revealed to you, Virgin,
O fountain of purity,
When Gabr’i’el came to you,
And said, “Peace, O full of grace,
The Lord is with you, Mary;…”

This blog post explores the concept of Mother Mary as the “Fountain of Purity,” highlighting her unique role in salvation history and her ongoing importance for believers today.

The concept of Mary as the Fountain of Purity is not merely a poetic metaphor but a deeply rooted theological understanding that speaks to her essential role in the incarnation of Christ and the purification of humanity. This teaching, while particularly emphasized in Oriental Orthodox traditions, resonates with broader Christian reflections on Mary’s significance and offers insights that can enrich the spiritual lives of all who seek to understand the mystery of God’s redemptive work.

Theological Importance

The title of Mother Mary as the Fountain of Purity holds significant theological importance in the Oriental Orthodox tradition. It underscores her exceptional holiness and unique role in the incarnation and salvation. The Church believes that Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus Christ due to her unparalleled purity and devotion, reflecting the understanding that a pure and holy God would select a vessel of exceptional purity to bear His Son.

To fully appreciate the depth of this teaching, we must explore several key theological aspects:

1. The Immaculate Vessel:
   The idea of Mary as a Fountain of Purity begins with her own immaculate nature. Oriental Orthodox theology, while not adhering to the Roman Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, nevertheless affirms Mary’s exceptional purity. This purity is understood not as an absence of original sin (a concept differently articulated in Eastern traditions) but as a fullness of grace bestowed upon her by God from the moment of her conception.
2. Mary’s Purity in the Context of the Incarnation:
   The doctrine of the Incarnation, central to Christian faith, asserts that Jesus Christ is both true God and true man. For Jesus to be born sinless, the vessel through which He entered the world had to be pure. The Oriental Orthodox Church teaches that Mary, by her own free will and divine grace, lived a life of exceptional purity, making her the ideal choice to bear the Son of God. Her purity is seen not just in terms of physical virginity but also in her complete devotion and obedience to God’s will.
3. Theotokos – God-Bearer:
   Central to the understanding of Mary as the Fountain of Purity is her role as Theotokos, or God-Bearer. This title, affirmed by the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, emphasizes that Mary bore not just the human nature of Christ but the fullness of his divine-human person. As the vessel chosen to bring forth the Incarnate Word, Mary’s purity is seen as both a prerequisite and a consequence of her unique vocation.
4. Purification of Humanity:
   Through her role in the incarnation, Mary becomes a source of purification for all humanity. By providing the human nature for the Son of God, she becomes the channel through which divine purity enters the world and cleanses fallen creation. This concept is beautifully expressed in many Oriental Orthodox hymns and prayers, which invoke Mary as a fountain of healing and purification for the faithful.
5. Model of Holiness:
   As the Fountain of Purity, Mary serves as the preeminent model of holiness for all Christians. Her purity is not seen as an unattainable ideal but as a reflection of the purity to which all believers are called. Through her example and intercession, Mary continues to be a source of inspiration and aid for those seeking to purify their hearts and minds.
6. Eschatological Sign:
   The purity of Mary is also understood as an eschatological sign – a foretaste of the ultimate purification and transformation of creation that will be fully realized at the end of time. In this sense, Mary as the Fountain of Purity points forward to the final state of redeemed humanity and the cosmos.

Patristic Teachings

The concept of Mary as the Fountain of Purity finds rich expression in the writings of the Church Fathers, particularly those revered within the Oriental Orthodox tradition. These patristic teachings provide the theological foundation for understanding Mary’s unique role and the significance of her purity. Let’s explore some key patristic insights:

1. St. Ephrem the Syrian (306-373 AD):
   St. Ephrem the Syrian, known for his poetic hymns and theological writings, often referred to Mary as the pure and spotless vessel chosen by God. In his hymns, he celebrated her as the “Fountain of Purity,” highlighting her role in bringing forth the sinless Savior. St. Ephrem’s writings depict Mary as a model of purity and obedience, whose life was dedicated to serving God.
   In one of his hymns, he writes:

“You alone and your Mother
are more beautiful than any others;
For there is no blemish in you,
nor any stains upon your Mother.
Who of my children
can compare in beauty to these?”

Here, St. Ephrem emphasizes the unique purity of both Christ and Mary, setting them apart from all of humanity.

2. St. Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD):
   St. Cyril of Alexandria, a key theologian, was instrumental in defining the title Theotokos. He highlighted Mary’s purity as vital to her role in the Incarnation, portraying her as the new Eve whose acceptance of God’s will led to humanity’s redemption. A significant figure in the 5th-century Christological controversies, St. Cyril defended the title of Theotokos and underscored Mary’s importance in the Incarnation. He wrote:

“Hail, Mary Theotokos, venerable treasure of the whole world, lamp unquenchable, crown of virginity, sceptre of orthodoxy, imperishable temple, container of the Uncontainable, Mother and Virgin!”

This rich description highlights Mary’s purity (virginity) as well as her role as a “container of the Uncontainable” – a pure vessel for the incarnate Word.

3. St. Jacob of Serugh (451-521 AD):
   St. Jacob, known as “the flute of the Holy Spirit,” composed numerous homilies on Mary. His writings reflect a deep veneration of the Theotokos, Mother Mary, and frequently highlight her purity and holiness. Among his many contributions, St. Jacob particularly emphasizes Mary as a source of purification. In one, he beautifully expresses the concept of Mary as a source of purification:

“The Pure One entered the womb of the pure virgin,
And from her came forth as a purifier of all creation.”

This passage directly links Mary’s purity to her role in bringing forth Christ, the purifier of creation.

4. St. John of Damascus (676-749 AD):
   Although not strictly within the Oriental Orthodox tradition, St. John of Damascus, also known as St. John Damascene, was a significant theologian and hymnographer in the Eastern Orthodox Church. He is renowned for his comprehensive theological works and his deep devotion to the Theotokos, Mother Mary. Among his many contributions, St. John frequently describes Mary as a fountain of true light, underscoring her purity and her pivotal role in the divine plan of salvation. He writes of Mary:

“O most holy Virgin, fresh fountain of the life-giving water for us… For you are the fountain of true light, the treasury of eternal life.”

This explicit reference to Mary as a “fountain” of life and light beautifully encapsulates the concept of the Fountain of Purity.

These patristic teachings demonstrate the deep roots of the Fountain of Purity concept in early Christian thought. They emphasize Mary’s unique role in salvation history, her exemplary holiness, and her ongoing significance as a source of spiritual nourishment for the faithful.

Hymns and Liturgical Expressions

The concept of Mother Mary as the Fountain of Purity finds its most vibrant expression in the rich hymnography and liturgical traditions of the Oriental Orthodox Churches. These hymns and prayers not only reflect theological truths but also serve to instil deep devotion and spiritual insight among the faithful. Let’s explore some of these beautiful expressions:

1. From the Coptic Orthodox Tradition:
   The Coptic Church, with its ancient liturgical heritage, offers numerous hymns praising Mary’s purity. One such hymn, known as the “Theotokia of Sunday,” declares:

“You are the pure golden vessel,
Containing the true Manna,
That came down from heaven,
And gave life unto the world.”

This hymn beautifully intertwines the image of Mary’s purity with her role in bringing Christ, the true Manna, into the world.

2. From the Armenian Orthodox Tradition:
   The Armenian Church’s rich hymnody includes many praises to the Virgin Mary. A notable example is found in the Sharakan (hymnal):

“O Pure Virgin, fountain of light,
Mother of God and temple of the inaccessible One,
You contained in your womb the uncontainable Word.”

Here, Mary is directly addressed as a “fountain of light,” emphasizing her role as a source of spiritual illumination and purity.

3. From the Syriac Orthodox Tradition:
   The Syriac tradition, known for its poetic theology, offers particularly rich Marian hymns. In the Beth Gazo, the collection of Syriac Orthodox hymns, we find:

“Hail, Mary, pure fountain in which the medicine of life was mixed,
From you flowed forth the stream that gave drink to the world,
And through you, the thirst of Adam’s children was quenched.”

This hymn directly refers to Mary as a “pure fountain,” linking her purity to the salvation brought by Christ.

4. From the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Tradition:
   The Ethiopian Church’s Marian devotion is profound, as reflected in their hymns. One such hymn from their liturgy proclaims:

“You are the fountain sealed with purity,
From which flowed the waters of life for all nations.
O Mary, your womb became the source of our cleansing.”

This hymn beautifully combines the image of Mary as a sealed fountain (drawing from the Song of Solomon) with her role in bringing forth Christ, the source of purification for humanity.

5. Liturgical Prayers:
   Beyond hymns, liturgical prayers in Oriental Orthodox traditions frequently invoke Mary as a source of purity. For example, in the Coptic Liturgy of St. Basil, the priest prays:

“O Virgin Mary, the holy Theotokos, the faithful advocate of the human race, intercede for us before Christ whom you bore, that He may grant us the forgiveness of our sins. You are the pure vessel, full of grace. We seek refuge in your intercession.”

This prayer beautifully encapsulates the belief in Mary’s purity and her ongoing role as an intercessor and source of grace for the faithful.

Few other hymns from the Eastern Orthodox Church
The veneration of Mary as the Fountain of Purity is richly reflected in the liturgical hymns of the Oriental Orthodox Church. These hymns, often sung during Marian feasts and liturgical services, celebrate her purity and her role as the mother of Jesus.

• The Akathist Hymn: One of the most famous hymns dedicated to Mary is the Akathist Hymn. This hymn is a profound expression of love and reverence for the Theotokos, celebrating her purity and her role in the Incarnation. The hymn refers to Mary as the “Fountain of Purity” and praises her for being the pure and spotless mother of God.

“Rejoice, O Fountain of Purity,
Through whom the Incarnate Word,
The Sinless One, was born,
Rejoice, O Pure and Holy Virgin,
Mother of the Savior of our souls.”

• The Paraklesis: The Paraklesis, or Supplicatory Canon to the Theotokos, is another hymn that highlights Mary’s purity. It is often sung during times of distress or illness, seeking Mary’s intercession. The hymn extols her purity and her role as a compassionate intercessor.

“O Fountain of Purity,
Mother of the Almighty,
We seek your holy intercession,
In our times of need and sorrow,
Grant us your pure and holy prayers.”

• The Exapostilarion of the Dormition: The Exapostilarion of the Dormition, sung during the Feast of the Dormition of Mary, celebrates her peaceful falling asleep and her assumption into heaven. The hymn praises Mary’s purity and her exalted status as the mother of God.

“O Fountain of Purity,
The Holy Theotokos,
As you fell asleep in peace,
You were taken up to heaven,
To dwell with your Son and God.”

Theological Reflections on Mary’s Purity

The title “Fountain of Purity” is not merely a poetic expression but a profound theological statement. It reflects the Oriental Orthodox understanding of Mary’s unique role in the divine economy and her exceptional holiness.

Mary as the New Eve

In Orthodox theology, Mary is often seen as the new Eve. Just as Eve’s disobedience led to the fall of humanity, Mary’s obedience and purity paved the way for the redemption of humanity through Jesus Christ. Her purity is seen as a restoration of the original purity intended for humanity, making her the Fountain of Purity.

The Role of Mary’s Purity in Salvation

Mary’s purity is also seen as integral to the process of salvation. By being the pure and spotless vessel through which God entered the world, Mary played a crucial role in the salvation of humanity. Her purity is a testament to the transformative power of God’s grace and the possibility of living a holy and pure life dedicated to God.

Conclusion

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the Oriental Orthodox teaching of Mother Mary as the Fountain of Purity represents a profound theological and spiritual understanding that has shaped Christian devotion for centuries. This concept goes beyond mere veneration, offering a rich tapestry of insights into the mystery of the Incarnation, the nature of holiness, and the ongoing work of purification in the life of believers.

Through patristic teachings, we see how early Christian thinkers grappled with and articulated Mary’s unique role in salvation history. Their reflections laid the foundation for a deep and nuanced Mariology that continues to inspire theological reflection today.

The hymns and liturgical expressions we’ve explored demonstrate how this theological understanding has been woven into the fabric of worship and devotion. These poetic and prayerful utterances not only praise Mary but also serve to instruct and inspire the faithful, drawing them into a deeper appreciation of the mystery of God’s redemptive work through the Incarnation.

For contemporary Christians, whether within the Oriental Orthodox tradition or beyond, the concept of Mary as the Fountain of Purity offers several valuable insights:

1. It reminds us of the transformative power of God’s grace, capable of preparing a pure vessel for the Incarnation.
2. It points to the intimate connection between purity and the capacity to bear God’s presence in our lives.
3. It offers a model of holiness that, while unique in Mary’s case, nevertheless inspires all believers to seek purity of heart and mind.
4. It underscores the communal nature of salvation, highlighting Mary’s ongoing role in the economy of grace.

As we contemplate on Mother Mary as the Fountain of Purity, we are invited to drink deeply from the wellsprings of this rich theological and spiritual tradition. In doing so, we may find our own hearts and minds refreshed, purified, and drawn ever closer to the mystery of God’s love revealed in Christ.

May the prayers of the blessed Theotokos be a stronghold for us all.

Your brother in Christ Jesus
Jobin George