Theology & Dogma
Theotokos (Mother of God)
The Virgin Mary bears the title 'Theotokos' (God-Bearer), affirmed at the Council of Ephesus (431). This is primarily a Christological statement: she bore not merely a man but the incarnate God. Mary is venerated as the highest of all saints, 'more honorable than the Cherubim and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim.'
Sources
- Council of Ephesus (431 AD) the Acts, NPNF
- St. Cyril of Alexandria, Letters to Nestorius the Ephesus documents
- Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (Axion Estin hymn) CCEL, the Fathers
Connections
- Annunciation: March 25
- Dormition of the Theotokos: August 15
- Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple: Nov 21
- Mount Athos (Holy Mountain)
- Nativity of the Theotokos: Sept 8
- Nestorianism
- The Akathist Hymn
- The Incarnation
- The Theotokos and the Immaculate Conception
- Theotokos Icon Types
- Third Ecumenical Council: Ephesus (431)