Saint Mary Magdalene

Who Was Saint Mary Magdalene?

Saint Mary Magdalene was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, one of the Holy Myrrh-Bearing Women, and a witness to His Crucifixion, burial, and Resurrection.

She came from Magdala, a town associated with the Sea of Galilee. According to Luke 8:2, Jesus delivered her from seven demons. Afterward, she followed Him and supported His ministry alongside other women.

Mary Magdalene remained faithful during Christ's Passion and visited His tomb after the Crucifixion.

In John 20:11–18, she encounters the risen Jesus and announces His Resurrection to the disciples.

For her extraordinary witness, the Orthodox Church honors her as Equal-to-the-Apostles and a Holy Myrrhbearer.

Her principal feast is celebrated on July 22 according to the ecclesiastical calendar, corresponding to August 4 civil time in Old Calendar Orthodox churches.

Saint Mary Magdalene at a Glance

What Does the Bible Say About Mary Magdalene?

Mary Magdalene appears in several important New Testament passages.

These accounts establish Mary Magdalene as an important follower of Jesus and a central witness to the events of Holy Pascha.

Was Mary Magdalene a Prostitute or a Sinful Woman?

The New Testament does not identify Mary Magdalene as a prostitute.

Luke 8:2 states that Jesus cast seven demons out of her, but it does not describe her as sexually immoral.

Over the centuries, some Western Christian interpretations identified Mary Magdalene with the unnamed sinful woman in Luke 7 or with Mary of Bethany.

Eastern Orthodox tradition generally distinguishes these biblical women rather than treating them as the same person.

Mary Magdalene is honored primarily for her faithfulness to Christ, her presence during His Passion, and her proclamation of the Resurrection.

Why Is Mary Magdalene Called Equal-to-the-Apostles?

The Orthodox title Equal-to-the-Apostles honors saints whose lives made an extraordinary contribution to proclaiming the Christian faith.

Mary Magdalene received this title because of her witness to the risen Christ and her announcement of the Resurrection to the disciples.

In John 20:18, she tells the disciples that she has seen the Lord.

This special role also explains why she is sometimes called the Apostle to the Apostles.

The title does not mean that Mary Magdalene was one of the original Twelve Apostles. Rather, it recognizes the importance of her Christian witness.

Why Is Saint Mary Magdalene Called a Myrrhbearer?

The Myrrh-Bearing Women were female followers of Jesus who came to His tomb carrying fragrant spices and ointments intended for His burial.

Mary Magdalene is among the women specifically named in the Gospel accounts.

They demonstrated remarkable faithfulness by returning to the tomb after Christ's Crucifixion.

In Orthodox Christianity, the Myrrhbearers are remembered for their courage, love, and devotion to Jesus Christ.

The Church commemorates them collectively on the Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women, the third Sunday of the Paschal season.

Did Mary Magdalene See the Risen Jesus First?

John 20 describes Mary Magdalene encountering the risen Christ near the empty tomb.

At first, she does not recognize Him and believes she is speaking with the gardener.

When Jesus calls her by name, Mary recognizes Him.

Christ then sends her to announce the Resurrection to His disciples.

In John's account, Mary Magdalene is the first individual described as seeing the risen Jesus.

Her encounter remains one of the most moving scenes in the Gospel narratives of the Resurrection.

What Is the Story of Mary Magdalene and the Red Easter Egg?

A well-known Orthodox tradition connects Saint Mary Magdalene with a red Easter egg.

According to the story, Mary traveled to Rome and appeared before Emperor Tiberius, proclaiming the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

She presented a red egg as a symbol of new life and the victory of Christ over death.

This account belongs to Christian tradition and is not recorded in the New Testament.

Today, red Easter eggs remain an important part of Pascha celebrations in many Orthodox communities.

The association explains why some icons portray Mary Magdalene holding a red egg rather than a vessel of myrrh.

What Happened to Mary Magdalene After the Resurrection?

The New Testament provides relatively little information about Mary Magdalene's later life.

Different Christian traditions associate her with missionary activity in Rome and other parts of the eastern Mediterranean.

Eastern Christian accounts also connect her later years with Ephesus, an important center of early Christianity.

These details belong primarily to ecclesiastical tradition rather than contemporary historical documentation.

The Orthodox Church remembers her as a faithful disciple who continued to proclaim Christ's Resurrection.

When Is Saint Mary Magdalene's Orthodox Feast Day?

The principal Orthodox feast of Saint Mary Magdalene is celebrated on July 22 according to the ecclesiastical calendar.

Orthodox churches following the traditional Julian calendar observe the same commemoration on August 4 civil time during 2026–2028.

Mary Magdalene is also honored with the other Myrrh-Bearing Women on the third Sunday of Pascha.

In 2026 this celebration falls on April 26, in 2027 on May 16, and in 2028 on April 30.

What Does the Orthodox Icon of Saint Mary Magdalene Mean?

In traditional Orthodox iconography, Saint Mary Magdalene is portrayed with a halo, modest garments, and attributes connected with her life.

Common symbols include:

• Myrrh Vessel: Represents her role among the women who visited Christ's tomb.
• Red Egg: Refers to the traditional account of her proclamation before Emperor Tiberius.
• Scroll: Symbolizes her witness to the Resurrection.
• Halo: Identifies her holiness in Orthodox iconography.

Some icons depict her standing alone, while others show her with the Myrrh-Bearing Women or near the empty tomb.

Her image emphasizes Christian faithfulness, courage, and the proclamation of the risen Christ.

Explore Orthodox Saint Icons for traditional sacred images.

Is Saint Mary Magdalene a Patron Saint?

Yes. Saint Mary Magdalene is honored as a patron saint by Orthodox Christians who bear her name or have a special spiritual connection with her.

Her example is associated with faithfulness, courage, and devotion to Christ.

An icon of Saint Mary Magdalene makes a meaningful gift for a Baptism, Chrismation, Name Day, or other Christian occasion.

However, the name Mary may also be associated with other saints, including Mary of Egypt. Before buying a patron saint icon, confirm the recipient's particular namesake saint.

Troparion and Kontakion of Saint Mary Magdalene

Orthodox services honoring Mary Magdalene include hymns remembering her discipleship and witness to Christ.

Her Troparion is commonly appointed in Tone 1 and praises her faithfulness to Jesus Christ.

Traditional Kontakia also emphasize her presence at the Cross, her devotion to the Savior, and her intercession.

These hymns connect the Gospel accounts with the Church's ongoing prayer and veneration of the saints.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Mary Magdalene

Who was Saint Mary Magdalene?

She was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, a Holy Myrrhbearer, and a witness to His Resurrection.

Was Mary Magdalene one of the Twelve Apostles?

No. She is honored as Equal-to-the-Apostles because of her exceptional witness to the Resurrection.

Was Mary Magdalene a prostitute?

The Bible does not identify her as a prostitute. Eastern Orthodox tradition generally distinguishes her from the unnamed sinful woman in Luke 7.

When is Saint Mary Magdalene's Orthodox feast day?

July 22 ecclesiastically, corresponding to August 4 civil time in Old Calendar churches.

Why is Mary Magdalene called a Myrrhbearer?

She was among the women who came to Christ's tomb with fragrant spices after His burial.

Why does Mary Magdalene hold a red egg in some icons?

The red egg represents an Orthodox tradition connecting her proclamation of the Resurrection with Emperor Tiberius.

Did Mary Magdalene see the risen Christ?

Yes. John 20 describes her encounter with Jesus near the empty tomb.

Is Mary Magdalene the same person as Mary of Bethany?

Eastern Orthodox tradition generally regards them as distinct biblical women.

Can an icon of Saint Mary Magdalene be given as a gift?

Yes. It is especially meaningful for people whose patron saint is Mary Magdalene and for Christian celebrations such as Name Days and Pascha.

Shop Saint Mary Magdalene Icons at Mercy Fold

Traditional icons of Saint Mary Magdalene are meaningful additions to Orthodox home prayer corners and thoughtful Christian gifts.

Mercy Fold offers the Saint Mary Magdalene, Wooden Frame Orthodox Icon with Stand.

The icon features a gold-foil finish, a decorative wooden frame, a stand for tabletop display, and a hook for wall hanging.

The frame measures approximately 7¾ inches tall by 6¼ inches wide.

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Explore Orthodox Saints and Icon Gift Guides at Mercy Fold

Saint Mary Magdalene's life connects the Gospel story of Christ's Resurrection with the Orthodox traditions of saints, feast days, and sacred images.

For guidance on choosing a meaningful religious gift, read Can Orthodox Icons Be Given as Gifts?.

Related subjects include the Myrrh-Bearing Women, Mary of Bethany, Mary of Egypt, the Orthodox Pascha tradition, and the Resurrection of Christ.

Conclusion: The Life and Legacy of Saint Mary Magdalene

Saint Mary Magdalene holds a special place in Orthodox Christianity as a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ and a witness to His Resurrection.

Her faithfulness during the Crucifixion and her encounter with the risen Savior remain central to her Christian legacy.

Honored as a Myrrhbearer and Equal-to-the-Apostles, she represents courage, devotion, and the joyful proclamation of the Gospel.

Her enduring message is the importance of remaining faithful to Christ and sharing the hope of His Resurrection with others.