05/19/2024
Question from a new Orthodox:
"I am doing more research into the roots of orthodoxy. I have a question that I can’t seem to understand. The orthodox believe Mary and Joseph never consummated their marriage. Why? In Galatians, Paul refers to James and the brother of the Lord. Where does this belief/tradition come from and why is James referred to as Jesus’ brother? Thank you!
☺️"
Good answer from a priest on the page:
"As a Help.. beyond the Fact that Betrothal does not mean Consumated in Marriage..often a lone woman could be legally bound..(Betrothed) so that a family can protect Her or match make for her..its one of few types of betrothal..not the exact same as modern marriage.
Joseph was betrothed to Mary..it would have been a sin for him to have Sexual relations with her as they were not Married in the legal sense .
She was a Virgin of The Temple.
That's a dedication to purity..*not a secret*.
Joseph had children and was an older man.
He was a widower.
As to ,"Brothers or Sisters" two things not carried well into English..cousins were also called Brothers or Sisters, relations by marriage but not blood are also known as ,"Brothers and Sisters".
The Brother of The Lord is a respected Son of Joseph.
When Christ is Crucified..the Elder blood brothers or Sisters would be then responsible for the Mother if Jesus died..but not His by marriage /non Blood relatives.
Jesus charges St.John to care for His Mother.
"Behold your Mother, Mother -Behold your son."
Had these others been blood kin it would have been inappropriate to not approach them first.
But He brought it to John the Beloved.
Mary had no other Son or Daughter of the flesh.
None.
This is a very expected stepping stone for Protestant conversion to Orthodoxy.
It ain't gonna be your last question either .
I converted over 25+ years ago. I ran my catechist ragged on all my Questions.
I will encourage you..very valid answers are coming.
Let them settle into your heart. God will confirm them deeply within.
Welcome Home"
( From "Ask an Orthodox Priest" page.)
