“Theotokos” means “God-bearer”—that is, one who gave birth to God.
The word was in use by the 3rd century. The Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. formally approved it, making it the Blessed Mother’s first official title. Subsequent councils reaffirmed the vital significance of Theotokos, most notably the Council of Ephesus in 431.
Why was the Church so bent on reminding everyone about this title?
Because Theotokos is far more than a devout way of honoring the Blessed Mother: it is a one-word defense of the Hypostatic Union—that is, the union of Christ’s two Natures, divine and human, in His one divine Person.
By calling Mary the “God-bearer,” the Church declared that the physical nature of Christ which walked among us, broke bread, and suffered pain is inseparably and unchangeably united to the divinity of the Trinity’s Second Person.
The title was emphasized at a time when various heresies taught that Christ was merely human or was a man taken up by God but not united with Him. It reminded all within the Church that God became incarnate through the Virgin Mary.
As the title Theotokos reminds us, to know Mary is to know her Son. Draw closer to her through Mary Day by Day, a daily guide to contemplating Mary in her everyday actions and virtues. Featuring a brief reading, saint quote, and reflection, this book equips your day with the tools for imitating and meditating on the Mother of God. The perfect guidebook as we enter a brand new year. Available today at The Catholic Company!
