Assumption Fast: Understanding why Mother Mary is called ‘Theotokos’

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

As we begin our walk in the Fast to the Dormition and Assumption of Mother Mary, let us try to understand few terms and terminologies that the Orthodox Church associates with the Mother of Jesus. One of the most prominent term that the Church uses while addressing Mother Mary is the term “Theotokos”.

The term “Theotokos” may sound a bit sophisticated, but there are many underlying reasons why Mother Mary is rightly called Theotokos and why we should adhere to addressing the blessed Mother as Theotokos.

What’s in a Name?

So, why is Mother Mary referred to as Theotokos? In simple terms, Theotokos means “God-bearer” or “Mother of God” in Greek. Orthodox Christians use this title to emphasize Mary’s unique role as the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It’s an acknowledgement of her pivotal role in the Christian narrative.

Historical Origins Matter:

To fully grasp the significance of Mother Mary being known as Theotokos, let’s take a quick trip back in time. Though the term gained prominence during the third and fourth centuries in response to certain theological debates within the early Christian community, the term was first coined by her cousin Elizabeth.

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed:

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Gospel of St. Luke 1:39-45

It might seem that Mary was called the mother of God by her elderly cousin Elizabeth but that is not so. Elizabeth certainly declared Mary to be the mother of God, but she declares it while she was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Thus, Elizabeth becomes the first person to address Mary as the “mother of my Lord” meaning Mother of God. That is the reason why we, as a whole Church, address Mother Mary as the “God-bearer”.

The title of Theotokos for Mother Mary gained more prominence in the 2nd and 3rd centuries when several heretical movements emerged, questioning the nature of Christ. Particularly, the discussions revolved around whether Mary should be called θεοτόκος (Theotokos) or χριστοτόκος (Christotokos) – meaning “Christ-Bearer.”

A movement known Nestorianism, proposed that Jesus was just a human being taken up by God’s divine presence. This movement was led Nestorius, the Archbishop of Constantinople, who proposed that Mary should be referred to as Christotokos, meaning “Christ-Bearer.” However, this didn’t sit well with the Orthodox believers.

The Orthodox Response:

The Church firmly believing that Jesus Christ was not a mere human elevated by divine intervention, in the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD took a different stance. The council declared that Mary should be acknowledged as Theotokos, the one who gave birth to the Son of God. This decision affirmed the belief in the hypostatic union – the divine and human natures coexisting in Jesus Christ. They declared clearly that Jesus was one person with two distinct natures: divine and human.

To emphasize this belief, the title Theotokos was coined. By calling Mary the “Mother of God,” the Orthodox Church aimed to affirm Jesus’ divinity while preserving the essential idea of His humanity. In doing so, they countered Nestorianism and other beliefs that undermined Christ’s unique nature.

The Role of Cyril of Alexandria:

Cyril of Alexandria emerged as a strong advocate for the term Theotokos during the Council of Ephesus. Cyril believed that downplaying the divinity of Christ risked diminishing the significance of the Incarnation in Christian belief. He defended the term Theotokos as a vital portrayal of the unity of Christ’s two natures in one person.

Cyril’s influential theological teachings persuaded the council’s attendees, resulting in their endorsement of the term Theotokos. This outcome had far-reaching effects not only in preserving the correct theological understanding of Christ’s nature but also in solidifying Mary’s position as Theotokos within Christian tradition.

For this very reason, the Indian and the Syrian Orthodox Churches remember St. Cyril in the 5th Diptychs (Thubden)which states:

We also remember St. Cyril, the veritable tower of knowledge, who expounded the doctrine of the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, declaring and showing clearly that He became incarnate (man)…

The Patristic Era and the Legacy of Theotokos:

Following the Council of Ephesus, the usage of the term Theotokos became widespread within the Christian world. The Patristic Era (the period spanning the 2nd to 8th centuries) witnessed prominent theologians, including Gregory of Nazianzus and John of Damascus, further developing the theology of Theotokos.

These influential church fathers emphasized the role of Mary as the vessel through which the Incarnation happened. Recognizing Mary as Theotokos aimed to highlight her unique and indispensable place in salvation history, indicating that she was chosen to bear the Son of God.

The Significance of Theotokos:

Now that we understand the historical context, let’s explore the deeper significance of Mary as Theotokos. It’s important to note that the term refers to Mary’s role rather than her essence.

1. Acknowledging Jesus’ Divinity:
   By recognizing Mary as the Mother of God, Orthodox Christians emphasize Jesus’ divine nature. It reflects the belief that Jesus is not just an ordinary human being but the Son of God who took on flesh to save humanity.
2. Affirming the Hypostatic Union:
   The term Theotokos supports the Orthodox teaching of the hypostatic union, which refers to the incarnation of Jesus. According to this belief, Jesus is both fully divine and fully human, united in one person without confusion, change, division, or separation.
3. Honouring Mary’s Role:
   Calling Mary Theotokos also highlights her unique role in salvation history. She was chosen by God to bear His Son, becoming an instrument in the fulfilment of His divine plan. This title acknowledges her faithfulness, obedience, and acceptance of God’s will.

Clearing Misconceptions and the role of Theotokos in Christian Theology today:

Unfortunately, the title Theotokos is sometimes misunderstood by those outside the Orthodox Church. Some misconstrue it as attributing divine qualities to Mary herself or diminishing Jesus’ divinity. The Orthodox Church has always made it clear that Theotokos is a title acknowledging Mary’s role as the mother of Jesus while still recognizing Jesus as the eternal Son of God.

The term Theotokos continues to play a pivotal role in Christianity, both in theological discourse and liturgy. Today, Orthodox and Catholic Churches often incorporate the title into their revered hymns and prayers, reflecting on Mary’s importance as the one who carried and gave birth to the Savior.

Furthermore, the devotion to Mary, particularly as Theotokos, stands as a significant aspect of popular piety in various Christian traditions. This veneration acknowledges Mary as an intercessor, praying for the well-being of the believers and helping them establish a deeper connection with Christ.

Final Thoughts:

Thus, we’ve explored the Orthodox teaching on why Mother Mary is known as Theotokos. Through this simple explanation, we understand that the title emphasizes Jesus’ divinity, affirms the hypostatic union, and honors Mary’s unique role in salvation history.

It’s essential to approach theological concepts in a relatable manner to bridge the gap between complex teachings and everyday life. By shedding light on Theotokos, we can better appreciate the depth of Orthodox Christian beliefs and the role of Mother Mary in the faith.

Remember, whether we call her Theotokos, Mother Mary, or any other name, her significance as the mother of Jesus and her pivotal role in Christianity remains unwavering.

Let the life of the blessed Theotokos be an encouragement to all of us, to live a life of submission to God’s will and His plans for our life and help us to have a union with God, just as she was in union with God.

Your brother in Christ Jesus

Jobin George