Mary Magdalene - Interesting Facts

One of the most famous female figures in Orthodoxy is Mary Magdalene, with whom there is a lot of reliable information, as well as conjectures of different researchers. She is the chief among the myrrh-bearers , and she is also considered to be the wife of Jesus Christ.

Who is Mary Magdalene?

A dedicated follower of Christ, who was a bearer, is Mary Magdalene. A lot of information is known about this saint:

Mary Magdalene is considered equal to the apostles, and this is explained by the fact that she preached the Gospel with special jealousy, like other apostles.
The saint was born in Syria in the city of Magdala, with which the nickname known around the world is connected.
She was next to the Savior when he was crucified and the first to exclaim "Christ is Risen!" Holding Easter eggs.
Mary Magdalene was a myrrh-bearer, because she was among those women who on the first day of the Sabbath came to the Coffin of the Risen Christ on the morning of the first day, bringing with them a miracle (perfume) to carry out the body's sedation.
It is worth noting that in the Catholic tradition this name is identified with the image of the harlot who repented, and Mary from Bethany. A lot of legends are associated with it.
There is information that Mary Magdalene is the wife of Jesus Christ, but in the Bible there is not, not a word.

What did Mary Magdalene look like?

A clear description of how the saint looked, no, but traditionally for Western art and symbols represent her young and very beautiful girl. Her main pride was long hair and she always disbanded. This is due to the fact that when the girl watered the feet of Christ with the world, she wiped them with her hair. More often than usual Mary Magdalene, the wife of Jesus is depicted with an uncovered head and a vessel of incense.

Mary Magdalene - Life

In youth to call the girl righteous will not turn her tongue, as she led a depraved life. As a result, demons came to her, who began to subjugate her. Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene was saved by Jesus, who cast out demons. After this event, she believed in the Lord and became his most loyal student. This orthodox figure is associated with many important events for believers, which are described in the Gospel and other writings.

The Appearance of Christ to Mary Magdalene

The Holy Scripture tells of the saint only from the moment she became a disciple of the Savior. It happened after Jesus delivered her from the seven demons. Throughout her life, Mary Magdalene maintained her devotion to the Lord and followed him until the end of his earthly life. On Good Friday, along with the Mother of God, she mourned the deceased Jesus. Finding out who Mary Magdalene is in Orthodoxy and how it is related to Christ, it is worth pointing out that she was the first one who came to the Savior's tomb on Sunday morning, to once again express her loyalty to him.

Wanting to pour out incense on His body, the woman saw that there were only burial veils in the coffin, but there was no body. She thought that he had been stolen. At this time, the appearance of Christ Mary Magdalene after the resurrection, but she did not recognize him, taking for a gardener. She recognized him when he addressed her by name. As a result, the saint became one who brought the good news to all believers about the resurrection of Jesus.

The Children of Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene

Historians and archaeologists of Britain, after their studies, announced that the saint was not only a faithful companion and wife of Jesus Christ, but also the mother of His children. There are apocryphal texts that describe the life of the Equal-to-the-Apostles. They say that Jesus and Mary Magdalene had a spiritual marriage, and as a result of the virgin birth she gave birth to the son of Joseph the Sweet. He became the ancestor of the royal house of the Merovingians. According to another legend, Magdalene had two children: Joseph and Sophia.

How did Mary Magdalene die?

After Jesus Christ was resurrected, the saint began to travel the world to preach the Gospel. The fate of Mary Magdalene brought her to Ephesus, where she assisted the holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian. According to the church legend, she died in Ephesus and there and was buried. Bollandists claimed that the saint died in Provence and was buried in Marseilles, but this opinion has no ancient evidence.

Where is Mary Magdalene buried?

The grave of the Equal of the Apostles is in Ephesus, where John the Evangelist lived in exile at that time. According to tradition, he wrote the 20 chapter of the Gospel, in which he talks about a meeting with Christ after his Resurrection, under the guidance of a saint. Since the time of Leo the Philosopher, the grave of Mary Magdalene remains empty, since the relics were transferred first to Constantinople and then to Rome to the Cathedral of St. John of Lateran, which in time was renamed in honor of the Equal-to-the-Apostles. Some parts of the relics are found in other temples on the territory of France, Mount Athos, Jerusalem and Russia.

The Legend of Mary Magdalene and the Egg

With this holy woman associated tradition to paint for Easter eggs . According to the existing tradition she preached the Gospel in Rome. In this city met Mary Magdalene and Tiberius, who was the emperor. At that time the Jews kept an important tradition: when a person first comes to a famous person, he must necessarily bring him some gift. Poor people in most cases offered vegetables, fruits and eggs, with which Mary Magdalene came.

In one of the versions it is told that the holy egg was red, which surprised the ruler. She told Tiberius about the life, death and resurrection of Christ. According to another version of the legend "Mary Magdalene and the Egg", when the saint appeared to the emperor, she said: "Christ is Risen." Tiberius doubted this and said that he would believe it only if the eggs in his eyes turn red, which happened. Historians doubt these versions, but the people have a beautiful tradition with a deep meaning.

Mary Magdalene - Prayer

Thanks to her faith, the saint was able to overcome many vices and cope with sins, and after her death she helps people who turn to her in prayers.

Since Mary Magdalene has conquered fear and unbelief, those who want to strengthen her faith and become more courage turn to her.
Prayer before her image helps to receive forgiveness for sins committed. Asking her to repent women who have had an abortion.
The prayer of Mary Magdalene will help to protect oneself from bad attachments and temptations. People with bad habits come to her to get rid of them as quickly as possible.
The saint helps people get protection from the magical influence from the outside.
They consider her to be the patroness of hairdressers and pharmacy employees.