iperdulia

Iperdulia, also known as hyperdulia, is a theological term used in Christian theology to denote the highest form of veneration accorded to Mary, the mother of Jesus. It sits between dulia, the reverence given to all saints, and latria, the worship due to God alone. Hyperdulia acknowledges Mary's unique role in salvation history, especially as Theotokos (God-bearer), and in Catholic doctrine, her special status is linked to beliefs such as her Immaculate Conception and Assumption.

Etymology and usage: The term comes from Greek hyper- meaning above or over, and from dulia/doulia meaning reverence or service. In some languages, the initial h is dropped or transliterated differently, yielding the form iperdulia. The concept is most closely associated with Catholic theology, where Mary is granted a higher degree of veneration than other saints, yet worship remains reserved for God alone.

Practice and doctrine: Hyperdulia expresses Marian devotion, including prayers for Mary’s intercession, reverence shown to Mary in liturgy and prayer, and the veneration of Marian images and feasts. It is intended to distinguish reverence for Mary from the worship due to God, and it does not imply worship or divine status for Mary herself.

Ecumenical context: Within Catholicism, hyperdulia is part of official Marian devotion. In Eastern Orthodoxy, Mary is likewise honored highly as Theotokos, though the terminology differs and the exact distinction is not always framed with the same term. Protestant denominations generally reject elevating Mary to a higher level of veneration than other saints, emphasizing a simpler distinction between veneration and worship.

See also: Theotokos, Marian devotions, Latria, Dulia.