JOSEPH: THE SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Keywords:
Companion of angels, Liturgy of St Joseph, Most chaste, St Joseph, Spouse of Virgin MaryAbstract
In the liturgical prayers of the East Syrian tradition, St Joseph, the spouse of the Virgin Mary is presented as the most exalted above all the Old Testament and New Testament saints. On the dukrana of this chaste son of David, the Church offers praises to God for the life and example of His chosen guardian for the Virgin and prays for protection from evils. An analysis of these prayers reveals how the Syriac tradition treasures the hidden merits of this great saint. Under six headings, this paper unfolds few eminent features of the unique relationship between St Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary which stands out as a model for all earthly relationships. This study analyses the liturgical prayers of Syriac tradition along with the apostolic teachings to better understand the silent and just husband of the Mother of God.
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