All Oriental Orthodox churches emphatically affirm the virgin birth of Jesus Christ and venerate Mary as Theotokos—the Mother of God. The title Theotokos, affirmed at the Council of Ephesus (431)—which Oriental Orthodox churches accept—is a cornerstone of their Christology and Mariology. Mary's perpetual virginity is also taught across these traditions.

Marian devotion is prominent in all Oriental Orthodox churches. In the Coptic tradition, Mary (called 'Theotokos Mariham') is venerated with great intensity, and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church celebrates numerous Marian feast days throughout the year—more than any other Christian tradition. The Armenian tradition places the Feast of the Assumption (Dormition) of the Theotokos among its most celebrated holy days. The veneration of Mary is inseparable from the Christological confession that her Son is truly God incarnate.