Sophia Scriptura

Theotokos

Mary as Mother of God (Theotokos) and the dispute over the title. Part of Mary, mother of Jesus.

Passages that substantially address this topic, in date order.

  • Letter 177Gregory of Nazianzus · ca. 360–390 · Gregory challenges the Apollinarians' claim to have been received by the Western synod, and sets out the faith: one and the same Christ, God before the ages and at the end also man, with anathemas against those who deny Mary is Theotokos.
  • Cyril, Second Letter to Nestorius (doctrinal part) §3Anonymous · 430–433 · Christ is worshipped as one, not as a man alongside the Word; rejecting the union according to hypostasis leads to two sons. The fathers therefore called Mary Theotokos, and Cyril urges Nestorius to teach the same for the peace of the churches.
  • Cyril, Twelve Anathemas, Anathema IAnonymous · 430–433 · First anathema: Emmanuel is truly God, and Mary is therefore Theotokos.
  • Formula of Reunion (433), with Cyril's introductionAnonymous · 430–433 · The Formula of Reunion of 433: Christ is perfect God and perfect man, of one substance with the Father and with us; the two natures are united without confusion, so Mary is Theotokos.
  • Homily at EphesusAcacius of Melitene · 431 · Preaching to the Council of Ephesus (431), Acacius likens the council to the disciples in the storm, confesses one Christ who is both God and man, explains Isa 9:6 of the incarnate Word, and defends the title Theotokos against Nestorius.
  • Letter to John of AntiochEutherius of Tyana · ca. 431-433 · Eutherius warns against communion with Cyril unless he retracts his Twelve Chapters, refutes the anathemas one by one, and reports the embassy of Paul of Emesa to Egypt.
  • Homily 1, on the Nativity (Alexandria, 432)Paul of Emesa · Dec 432-433 · On Christmas at Alexandria, Paul proclaims Mary Theotokos and one Christ in two perfect natures, rejects “two sons”, and is acclaimed by the people as orthodox; he ends by inviting Cyril to preach.
  • Homily 2, on the Incarnation (Alexandria, 432)Paul of Emesa · Dec 432-433 · In a second sermon at Alexandria, Paul teaches that Emmanuel is consubstantial with the Father and with us, two natures in one person, and that God the Word, remaining impassible, made his own the sufferings of his body; the people acclaim Cyril.
  • Commonitory 12Vincent of Lérins · 434 · Vincent summarizes the errors of Photinus on the Trinity, of Apollinaris on Christ's soul and flesh, and of Nestorius on two persons in Christ.
  • Commonitory 15Vincent of Lérins · 434 · The union of God and man in Christ took place at the conception in the Virgin's womb, which is why Mary is truly called Theotokos.