Mary (Judeo-Aramaic Maryam "Bitter") was the mother of Jesus. According to the New Testament, and at the time of his conception she was the betrothed wife of Saint Joseph.
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In Christian and Islamic tradition, she miraculously remained virginal
through the conception and birth of Jesus, as foretold by the angel
Gabriel (see Annunciation). According to the Protoevangelium of James,
her parents were Joachim and Anne.
Christian churches teach various doctrines concerning Mary, who is the
subject of much veneration. The area of Christian theology concerning
her is known as Mariology. The conception of her son Jesus is believed
to have been an act of the Holy Spirit, and to fulfill the prophecy of
Isaiah that a virgin (or maiden[2]) would bear a son named Immanuel
("God with us"). The Roman Catholic Church and most Eastern churches
hold that she is the Ever-Virgin "Mother of God" (Theotokos), who was
specially favoured by God's grace (Catholics hold that she was
immaculately conceived) and, when her earthly life had been completed,
was assumed into Heaven. Some Protestants, such as certain Anglicans and
Lutherans, embrace veneration of Mary and also hold at least some of
these doctrines. Others, especially Reformed, question or even condemn
the devotional and doctrinal position of Mary in the above traditions.
Mary also has a revered position in Islam.
Mary is the most prominent feminine figure in Christianity and the most
meritorious saint in church history. She is said to have miraculously
appeared to believers countless times over the centuries.
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