Orthodox Christians celebrate August 4 Commemoration Day of the Equal-to-the-Apostles Myrrh-Bearer Mary Magdalene – supporters and followers of Jesus Christ.

According to the scriptures, Mary met Christ when she was possessed by seven demons. Jesus cast out demons from the woman, gave her a new life and made her a faithful disciple. She was always by Jesus’ side, following him and taking care of him. Together with the Mother of God, she also stood next to Christ when he was crucified on the cross, sharing his torment and suffering with him.

It was to Mary Magdalene that the resurrected Savior appeared first on Easter morning. She received an order from him to tell about this miracle to all the disciples of Christ. As the first harbinger of the good resurrection of Christ, the myrrh-bearer is recognized by the church as equal to the twelve apostles. After the resurrection of Christ, Mary brought this good news to Rome and other cities, and then went to Ephesus. There she helped John the Theologian, and there she peacefully passed away.

On this August day, the Church and believers honor the memory of Mary Magdalene – a woman who is glorified for her devoted love for Christ, a woman called to the light by the Lord himself and saved from sin. Myrrh-bearing Mary is an example of undeniable love for one’s neighbor, faith in Jesus, his power of forgiveness and mercy.