Lecture Notes on Theotokos and Orthodox Beliefs

Key Terminology

• Theotokos: Greek term meaning 'God-bearer'.
  • Preferred term over 'Christotokos' (Mother of Christ) due to theological implications.
  • Emphasizes that Mary is the mother of God, affirming Christ's dual nature as both fully God and fully man.

Historical Context

• Nestorius' Heresy:
  • Proposed the term 'Christotokos' to emphasize Mary as mother of Christ, not God.
  • Criticized by Cyril of Alexandria, who maintained that Mary bore God.

Orthodox Perspective on Humanity and Mary

• Mary is viewed as a human like everyone else, highlighting a positive view of humanity.
• Humanity is highly exalted, a view supported by the Feast of the Ascension, where Christ ascends in both divinity and humanity.
• Mary's status reflects the high regard God has for humanity.

Church Iconography and Veneration of Mary

• Icons of Mary are prominent in Orthodox churches, often depicted over the apse with the title 'more spacious than the heavens'.
• She is venerated for containing the uncontainable God within her womb.
• Continues to interact with humanity through miracles, icons, and apparitions.

Scriptural and Traditional Support

• Objections to Praying to Mary:
  • End of life is not the end of communion; saints are asked to intercede.
  • Old Testament precedent: Solomon and Bathsheba.
  • New Testament: Wedding at Cana - Mary intercedes and instructs followers to "do whatever he tells you."
• Jesus' Acknowledgment:
  • When praised, Jesus highlights that Mary's greatness is in her hearing and keeping God's word.

Conclusion

• Mary's role as Theotokos is central to understanding Christology in Orthodoxy and highlights the exalted status of humanity in the eyes of God.
• The Orthodox Church maintains that her role and intercession are supported by both tradition and scriptural understanding.