Theotokos

Theotokos is a Greek title for Mary meaning "God-bearer" or "Mother of God." It was formally defined at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD as the correct title for the Virgin Mary, affirming that she is truly the mother of the divine Person of Jesus Christ — not merely of his human nature (CCC 466, 495).

The Theological Significance

Theotokos is first and foremost a statement about Christ, not about Mary. Because Jesus Christ is one divine Person with two natures, and Mary is the mother of that Person, she is properly called the Mother of God. To say she was only "Mother of Christ's humanity" — as the heretic Nestorius argued — would imply that Christ is two persons, which is heresy (CCC 466).

The Council of Ephesus

The Council of Ephesus (431 AD) defined the title Theotokos against the Nestorian heresy. Nestorius had insisted Mary could only be called Christotokos (Mother of Christ) — implying a separation between Christ's divine and human natures. The council affirmed that since the one Person of Christ is divine, Mary is truly the Mother of God (CCC 466).

The Oldest Known Prayer to Mary

The Greek prayer Sub tuum praesidium — "We fly to your protection, O holy Mother of God" — dates to approximately the third century, making it the oldest known Christian prayer addressed to Mary. The title Theotokos was in devotional use centuries before Ephesus formally defined it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does calling Mary "Mother of God" make her divine? No. Mary is entirely human — she did not pre-exist her Son or give him his divine nature. "Mother of God" means she is the mother of the one divine Person who is both God and man. It says everything about who Jesus is and nothing about Mary being divine (CCC 495).