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Orthodox theology teaches that all human beings, including the Virgin Mary who is a “mere human” like the rest of us—unlike her Son Jesus who is a “real human” but not a “mere human” because he is the incarnate Son and Word of God—are born into a fallen, death-bound, demon-ridden world whose “form is passing away” (1 Cor. 7.31).
Mary is conceived by her parents as we are all conceived. But in her case it is a pure act of faith and love, in obedience to God’s will, as an answer to prayer. In this sense her conception is truly “immaculate.” And its fruit is the woman who remains forever the most pure Virgin and Mother of God.
+ Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko: The Winter Pascha
