Akathist hymn question

[faithfulservant]

Why is Mary called Unwedded in the Akathist hymn to her, when she actually was wedded to Joseph?

 

[Vico]

Why is Mary called Unwedded in the Akathist hymn to her, when she actually was wedded to Joseph?

The Byzantine Catholic Church version uses this refrain:

Re joice, O Bride and Maid en ev er pure!
Re joice, O Bride and Maid en ev er pure!

 

[Zabdi_Premjit]

Why is Mary called Unwedded in the Akathist hymn to her, when she actually was wedded to Joseph?

Probably for the same reason that St. Joseph is called “the Bethrothed” and not “the Married” - to emphasise the fact of the Theotokos’ perpetual virginity and that it was therefore not a regular marriage as we usually imagine it, which generally included sexual intimacy. The marriage was never consummated.

 

[rowlands]

…to emphasise the fact of the Theotokos’ perpetual virginity and that it was therefore not a regular marriage as we usually imagine it, which generally included sexual intimacy. The marriage was never consummated.

Well stated - I was trying to think of a way of putting that tactfully! The meaning is clearer and more obvious in Greek and Slavonic.

 

[faithfulservant]

thanks for your replies… and the young man who asked me to posit that question also thanks you

 

[Zabdi_Premjit]

thanks for your replies… and the young man who asked me to posit that question also thanks you

You’re welcome.