hiperdulia

Hiperdulia, also spelled hyperdulia in most English-language sources and sometimes transliterated as hiperdulia in other languages, is a term used in Catholic theology to denote the highest form of veneration accorded to the Virgin Mary. The word derives from the Greek hyper (above, over) and dulía (veneration or honor). It is distinguished from latria, the worship due to God alone, and from dulía, the veneration given to all saints.

In Catholic teaching, Mary holds a uniquely exalted role as Theotokos, the Mother of God, and her special status is reflected in the concept of hyperdulia. This level of veneration acknowledges her distinct place within the communion of saints and her role in the Incarnation, while explicitly excluding her from divine worship. Devotional practices involving Mary, such as prayers, intercessory appeals, and liturgical honors, are categorized as hyperdulian rather than latrionic or dulian acts.

The term serves to clarify the proper hierarchy of reverence within Catholic devotion and to distinguish Marian veneration from the worship due to God and from the veneration given to other saints. It is primarily used within Catholic Mariology and liturgical discussions to articulate how Mary is honored in a way that reflects her unique relationship to Christ and the Church.

Outside Catholicism, the specific terminology is less common or used differently. Many other Christian traditions revere Mary but do not employ the same tripartite framework, and some reject the level of Marian veneration that hyperdulia represents.