Mother Mary as Theotokos: Oriental Orthodox Perspective and the 15-Day Dormition Fast

In the name of God the Father, Christ Jesus His Son and the Holy Spirit, One True God. Amen

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus

Introduction to Mother Mary Theotokos and the 15-Day Dormition Fast

Mother Mary, revered as the Theotokos, or “God-bearer,” holds an eminent position in the Oriental Orthodox Church. Her role as the Mother of God is celebrated with profound devotion, theological richness, and vibrant liturgical traditions. One of the most significant periods dedicated to her honor is the 15-day Fast leading up to the Feast of the Dormition, observed from August 1st to August 15th. This period of fasting and prayer is a time of spiritual renewal, reflection, and deepening devotion to the Theotokos.

The Feast of the Dormition, celebrated on August 15th, commemorates Mary’s peaceful falling asleep and her bodily assumption into heaven. It is a major celebration in the Oriental Orthodox liturgical calendar, emphasizing Mary’s glorification and her continued intercession for the Church. The 15-day Fast is marked by intensified prayer, fasting, and liturgical observances, culminating in the joyous celebration of the Dormition.

This blog delves into the Oriental Orthodox perspective on Mother Mary, exploring why she is honored as the Theotokos, comparing Roman Catholic and Orthodox views, examining patristic teachings, and highlighting the various titles attributed to her in Orthodox worship. Through this exploration, we will gain a deeper understanding of why Mother Mary is venerated with such reverence and devotion in the Oriental Orthodox tradition.

Mother Mary as Theotokos - Icon of Mother Mary as Theotokos, holding the Christ Child, representing her role as the God-bearer in the Oriental Orthodox Church

Mother Mary as Theotokos: Theological Foundations

The title “Theotokos” means “God-bearer” or “Mother of God” and is foundational in understanding why Mother Mary is revered in the Oriental Orthodox tradition. This designation underscores the belief that Mary, by bearing Jesus Christ, who is both fully God and fully man, plays an essential role in the mystery of the Incarnation.

The Incarnation and the Role of Mary

The doctrine of the Incarnation, central to Christian faith, asserts that Jesus Christ is both true God and true man. The Oriental Orthodox Church, like other ancient Christian traditions, holds that for Jesus to be truly God, he must be born of a woman, thus entering fully into human history and experience. This belief is encapsulated in the term “Theotokos,” affirming that Mary gave birth to God in the flesh.

The significance of this title was affirmed at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, which condemned the Nestorian heresy. Nestorius, the then Patriarch of Constantinople, had proposed that Mary should be called “Christotokos” (Christ-bearer) instead of Theotokos, suggesting a separation between the divine and human natures of Christ. The council declared that such a separation undermined the unity of Christ’s person, and thus, Mary was rightly called Theotokos, emphasizing that the one born of her is fully God.

Veneration and Reverence

In the Oriental Orthodox tradition, the veneration of Mary as Theotokos is not only a theological assertion but also a devotional practice. Her role in the salvation history is celebrated with profound reverence, reflecting her unique relationship with the Holy Trinity. By giving birth to Jesus, she becomes the Mother of God the Son, thus occupying a singular position in the divine economy.

Comparison with Roman Catholic Perspectives

While both the Oriental Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions venerate Mary as the Mother of God, there are nuanced differences in their theological emphases and devotional practices.

The Immaculate Conception

One of the most notable differences is the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, a dogma in the Roman Catholic Church that declares Mary was conceived without original sin. This belief, formally defined in 1854 by Pope Pius IX, highlights Mary’s purity and her special role in salvation history. The Oriental Orthodox Church, while deeply reverent of Mary’s purity and holiness, does not hold to this specific doctrine. Instead, it emphasizes her sinless life and her unique role in God’s redemptive plan without the need for the Immaculate Conception as a theological framework.

Assumption vs. Dormition

Another difference is the understanding of Mary’s end of earthly life. The Roman Catholic Church teaches the Assumption of Mary, which states that she was taken body and soul into heaven. This doctrine was dogmatically defined in 1950 by Pope Pius XII. In contrast, the Oriental Orthodox Church commemorates the Dormition of Mary, which means “falling asleep.” This tradition holds that Mary died a natural death, and her body was taken up into heaven afterward. The Dormition is celebrated as a feast, emphasizing her peaceful transition and glorification.

Devotional Practices

Devotional practices also vary between the two traditions. The Roman Catholic Church has developed numerous Marian devotions, including the Rosary, various Marian apparitions, and specific prayers and liturgies. The Oriental Orthodox Church, while also rich in Marian devotion, focuses heavily on liturgical veneration within the context of the Divine Liturgy and the Church’s cycle of feasts. The Theotokos is honored in hymns, prayers, and icons, with a particular emphasis on her role in the Incarnation and her intercessory power.

Patristic Teachings on Mary

The reverence for Mary in the Oriental Orthodox tradition is deeply rooted in the teachings of the early Church Fathers. Their writings and theological reflections provide a foundation for understanding why Mary is honored as the Theotokos.

St. Cyril of Alexandria

St. Cyril of Alexandria was a pivotal figure in affirming the title of Theotokos. His defence of this title at the Council of Ephesus was crucial in combatting the Nestorian heresy. St. Cyril emphasized that Mary’s role as the Mother of God was essential to the unity of Christ’s divine and human natures. He argued that calling Mary Theotokos safeguards the truth that Jesus is one person with two natures, fully divine and fully human.

St. Ephrem the Syrian

St. Ephrem the Syrian, a prominent hymnographer and theologian, also contributed significantly to the veneration of Mary. His hymns and writings are filled with references to Mary as the Mother of God and highlight her purity, holiness, and unique role in salvation. St. Ephrem’s poetic theology presents Mary as the new Eve, whose obedience and humility contrast with the disobedience of the first Eve.

St. John Chrysostom

St. John Chrysostom, known for his eloquent preaching, also spoke highly of Mary. He emphasized her virtues, particularly her faith and obedience. In his homilies, St. John often referred to Mary’s role in the Incarnation and her perpetual virginity, underscoring her exceptional place in the divine plan.

St. Severus of Antioch

St. Severus of Antioch, a prominent figure in the Oriental Orthodox tradition, provided theological reflections that further established the reverence for Mary. He emphasized the significance of the title Theotokos in his writings and sermons, defending it against heretical views and elaborating on its implications for Christology and Mariology.

Titles of Mary in Orthodox Worship

In the Oriental Orthodox tradition, Mary is honored with various titles that reflect her theological significance and the depth of her veneration. These titles are often used in hymns, prayers, and liturgical texts, highlighting different aspects of her role and attributes.

Theotokos

As previously discussed, the title Theotokos is central to Marian theology. It affirms Mary’s role as the Mother of God and is a cornerstone of Orthodox Christology. This title is frequently invoked in prayers and hymns, emphasizing the mystery of the Incarnation.

Ever-Virgin

Mary is also called “Ever-Virgin” (Aeiparthenos), reflecting the belief in her perpetual virginity before, during, and after the birth of Christ. This title underscores her unique sanctity and her complete dedication to God’s will. The belief in Mary’s perpetual virginity is rooted in the teachings of the early Church Fathers and is celebrated in Orthodox liturgical texts.

Panagia

The title “Panagia” means “All-Holy” and is used to emphasize Mary’s exceptional holiness and purity. In Oriental Orthodox worship, Mary is often referred to as Panagia, highlighting her role as the most exalted among all saints and her unique closeness to God.

Mother of Light

In many Oriental Orthodox hymns and prayers, Mary is called the “Mother of Light.” This title reflects her role in bringing forth Christ, who is the Light of the World. It also signifies her participation in the divine light and her intercessory power, as she leads the faithful towards the light of Christ.

Queen of Heaven

Mary is also venerated as the “Queen of Heaven.” This title signifies her exalted status in the heavenly realm, reflecting her role as the Mother of the King of Kings. The Queen of Heaven title is celebrated in various feasts and hymns, recognizing Mary’s glorification and her intercessory role for the faithful.

Intercessor

One of the most beloved titles for Mary in the Oriental Orthodox tradition is “Intercessor.” This title reflects the belief in her powerful intercession on behalf of the faithful. Mary is seen as a compassionate and loving mother who intercedes with her Son for the needs and petitions of the Church. This belief is deeply rooted in the liturgical and devotional life of the Orthodox Church.

Ark of the Covenant

Mary is often likened to the Ark of the Covenant, a title that underscores her role as the bearer of God’s presence. Just as the Ark carried the tablets of the Law, Mary carried the Word of God made flesh. This typological connection is frequently explored in Orthodox theology and liturgy, emphasizing the sanctity and significance of Mary’s womb.

Liturgical Celebrations and Marian Feasts

The Oriental Orthodox Church has a rich tradition of liturgical celebrations and feasts dedicated to Mary. These feasts commemorate key events in her life and highlight her role in salvation history.

The Annunciation

The Feast of the Annunciation, celebrated on March 25th, commemorates the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she would conceive and bear the Son of God. This feast highlights Mary’s faith and obedience in accepting God’s will. It is a major feast in the Oriental Orthodox calendar, reflecting the significance of the Incarnation.

The Dormition of the Theotokos

As mentioned earlier, the Dormition, celebrated on August 15th, commemorates Mary’s peaceful falling asleep and her bodily assumption into heaven. This feast is a major celebration in the Oriental Orthodox tradition, emphasizing the glorification of Mary and her continued intercession for the Church.

The Presentation of the Theotokos

Celebrated on November 21st, this feast commemorates the presentation of Mary in the Temple as a child. It highlights her dedication to God from an early age and her preparation for her unique role in salvation history.

Some more feast days in the commemoration of Mother Mary

December 26 – Glorification of the Mother of God
February 2 – Purification of Holy Theotokos (also known as Feast of Presentation of Jesus to the Temple)
January 15 & May 15 – Feasts of Mother Mary for the Seeds and Harvest respectively
September 8 – Nativity of Mother Mary (followed largely by the Roman Catholic Church through fasting for 8 days in September)

Conclusion

Mother Mary, the Theotokos, holds an esteemed place in the Oriental Orthodox tradition. Her veneration as the Mother of God reflects profound theological truths about the Incarnation and the unity of Christ’s divine and human natures. While sharing common ground with Roman Catholicism in honoring Mary, the Oriental Orthodox Church maintains unique theological emphases and devotional practices.

The teachings of the Church Fathers, the rich liturgical traditions, and the numerous titles attributed to Mary all underscore her exceptional role in salvation history and her continued intercession for the faithful. As the Theotokos, the Ever-Virgin, the Panagia, the Mother of Light, the Queen of Heaven, the Intercessor, and the Ark of the Covenant, Mary is venerated with profound love and reverence in the Oriental Orthodox Church, reflecting her unparalleled place in the divine plan and her enduring significance for Christians throughout the ages.

Over the coming days, let us explore various aspects of Mother Mary and why the Church revers her as Theotokos and also various titles ascribed to the blessed Mother.

May the prayer of Mother Mary, the blessed Theotokos and of all the saints guide us as we walk along this fast in commemoration of the Dormition of our blessed Mother.

Your brother in Christ Jesus
Jobin George

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