Supravenerarea Maicii Domnului în evlavia mirenilor ortodocși maramureșeni
The over veneration of the Mother of God in the piety of the Orthodox laymen in Maramureș

Summary/Abstract: The veneration of the Mother of God, or „Theotokos”, holds a central place in the piety of Orthodox laypeople, manifesting as a profound and integral aspect of their spiritual life. This supraveneration, distinguished from the worship due only to God, reflects the deep reverence for Mary as the highest of all created beings and as the primary intercessor for humanity. Theological foundations for this veneration are rooted in her role in the Incarnation, as the Mother of Christ, and her perpetual virginity, which Orthodox tradition upholds. In the daily lives of the faithful, this reverence is expressed through various practices, including the frequent invocation of her intercession in prayer, the celebration of numerous feasts dedicated to her, and the veneration of her icons, which are believed to be channels of divine grace.Additionally,the Akathist Hymn and the Paraklesis service are significant liturgical expressions of this devotion. This abstract explores how the veneration of the Theotokos is woven into the fabric of Orthodox spirituality, influencing both communal worship and individual prayer life, and how it serves as a model of humility, obedience, and perfect discipleship for the faithful. Through this supraveneration, Orthodox Christians seek to deepen their relationship with Christ, recognizing in the Mother of God the most powerful advocate and protector of the Church.

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