Pope Shenouda III
Two Questions on the Virgin's Titles
(1) Why do we call the Virgin ‘the vine’ in the prayer of the Third Hour, saying: “O Mother of God, you are the true vine bearing the Fruit of Life”, when the Vine is the Lord Jesus Christ who says plainly of Himself: “I am the True Vine and My Father is the Vine-dresser. I am the Vine, you are the branches” (John.15: 1, 5)?
(2) Why do we address the Virgin, in the third watch of the Midnight Prayer, saying: “O noetic gate of life”, when the gate is Christ who says of Himself: “I am the door of the sheep” (John.10: 7)?