Theotokos

more, used the term αὐθεντεῖν as “assuming authority” instead of “exercising authority.” Furthermore, Leontinus Hierosolymitanus, Contra Nestorianos 4.49 (PG 86:1720D), writes “we will not assume authority (αὐθεντεῖν) to call the Mother of Jesus, ‘Theotokos,’ since the Holy Scriptures nowhere address her thus, nor any of the Fathers.” Etymological root and uses of the term αὐθεντεῖν strongly suggest that Paul would have used it as “one who assume authority” than “exercising…

During the 3rd and 4th centuries controversy arose among the leaders and population due to the rising questioning of the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ. At the beginning of the fourth century, the First Council of Nicaea was convened to come against the heretical teachings of Arius. Arius, a presbyter from Alexandria, along with his followers, believed that “before [the Son] was begotten or created or defined or established, he was not for he was not unbegotten and that the Son had a…

On April 6, 1483 in Urbino, Italy, Raffaello Sanzio was born to Giovanni Santi, a painter by trade. Raphael learned the rudimentary painting tactics form his father, and after his death, took over the family workshop, where he gained reputation as "one of the finest painters in town." Soon he caught the interest of Pietro Vannucci (Perugino) who enlisted him as an apprentice ("Raphael"). Four years later, with new skills and a style of his own, he moved to Florence, where he first experienced…

In Wilken’s book, he talks about Nestorius’ chaplain preaching in 428. The chaplain used the term theotokos which means God bearer in a sermon and then Nestorius used the term Christokos which means mother of God. In the third centur, mother of God was mentioned in the prayer: “To your protection, we flee, holy Mother of God. Do not despise our prayers…

Historical context. Eastern Orthodoxy was formed in the 1st-5th centuries BC. Eastern Orthodoxy developed its identity after the “Great Schism” in which Rome and Constantinople had a falling out and both Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism gained an identity (“Eastern Orthodoxy”). The religion originated in the East from the Roman-Byzantine Empire with the headquarters in Constantinople. Eastern Orthodoxy regards its self as the True Church, being rooted in Christianity. Eastern Orthodoxy…

Question #1 Part A: Anthropologists ask: How do different cultures define art, and what purposes does art serve? Use any type of art which you would like to explain the anthropological perspective on art. Be sure to refer to some key concepts discussed in the class lectures related to art. Part B: The anthropology of art does not treat such artifacts as “exotic objects,” but instead examines them for the roles they play in people’s lives. According to the class lecture, how were exotic…

acceptance of Mary’s holy nature Dorothy Sacksteder in her thesis “The Cult of Mary: The Role of the Virgin during the Italian Renaissance” states that the Roman Catholic Church exercised their spiritual authority in proclaiming Mary’s identity as “Theotokos, Mother of God” at the Council of Ephesus in the fifth century.” Despite the controversial premise of her immaculate conception, and the written religious and secular texts about her life, as debated between the worldwide religions, the…

The issue of whether or not to allow a representation of god or gods has been a central issue in Christianity through history. This issue has played a big part in the Byzantine Empire, alternatively known as the Eastern Roman Empire. Consequently, iconoclasm entitled to a division between Eastern and Western churches, specifically between the 8th and 9th century. Nevertheless, the implication of this issue has occurred because of political, economic and religious ideas. Even today, the idea of…

In the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow hangs the icon of Our Lady of Vladimir. Considered one of the masterpieces of Russian Iconography, the icon is the most venerated in Russia. Unlike other more austere Marian icons, Our Lady of Vladimir belongs to the Ἐλεούσα Eleousa or ‘tender-touch’ iconographic style. This style is known for stressing the humanity of Christ; a compassionate God who suffers with humankind. Painted in the twelfth century, the icon depicts Mary and the child Christ. In this…

Prior to the Great Schism and the separation of Christians worldwide, there were many things that unified those that faithfully believed in Jesus Christ and His teachings. They were unified in belief and deed, save for some minor disagreements. Because of this, it is practically impossible that the results of the Great Schism, two disputing churches, are as distant from each other as they claim to be. Though highly controversial among modern-day Christians, the Western Catholic and Eastern…