Theotokos facts for kids
Theotokos is a very important title for Mary, who is the mother of Jesus. This word comes from ancient Greek and means "God-bearer" or "Mother of God." It is used a lot in Eastern Christianity, which includes churches like the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholicism.
What Theotokos Means
The title "Theotokos" helps Christians understand a big idea about Jesus. It shows that Mary gave birth to Jesus, who is believed to be both fully human and fully divine (God). So, when Mary is called "God-bearer," it means she carried and gave birth to God in human form.
This title became very important in the early Christian Church. It was officially confirmed at a big meeting called the Council of Ephesus in the year 431 AD. This meeting helped explain clearly that Jesus was truly God from the moment he was born.
Why This Title is Important
For many Christians, especially in the East, the title "Theotokos" is a way to show great respect for Mary. It also highlights the amazing event of God becoming human through her. Icons (religious pictures) of the Theotokos are very common and are used in worship. They often show Mary holding baby Jesus, reminding people of this important belief.
Images for kids
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Theotokos on the throne
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[Salus Populi Romani]], Rome (5th or 6th century)
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Theotokos icon from Saint Catherine's Monastery, Sinai (6th century)
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Blachernae Icon of the Theotokos (7th century)
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Mother of God, mosaic icon, Hagia Sophia (12th century)
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[mosaic]] (around 1130), Gelati Monastery, Georgia (12th century)
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The Iveron Theotokos (Iverskaya), an 11th-century Russian icon based on the 10th-century Hodegetria type, Iviron Monastery, Mount Athos.
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Theotokos Panachranta from Svensky Monastery, by St. Alypios of Kiev (11th century)
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Panachranta Theotokos, a mid-11th-century Kievan picture from the Gertrude Psalter.
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Theotokos of Vladimir (around 1100)
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Theotokos of St. Theodore (12th century)
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Our Lady Derzhavnaya (18th century)
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Mother of God of the "Unfading Flower" (Неувядаемый Цвет) type (18th century, Tretyakov Gallery)
See also
In Spanish: Theotokos para niños
