Author: Rev. Associated Prof. PhD. Marin Cojoc (Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Craiova)
Keywords: Theotokos, theotokia, inscriptions, romanian teritories
Abstract:
The Theotokia of the Mother of God is mentioned both by the Holy Fathers and church writers in their writings, and in contemporary theological literature by various theological authors. On the territory of our country, there are several inscriptions with this name of the Mother of God (Θεοτόκος), of the Saviour Jesus Christ or inscriptions with the even more concrete formula Mary gave birth to Christ: Χ(ριστὸν) Μ(αρία) γ(εννᾷ), Mother of God [Μ(ήτ)ηρ Θ(εο)ῦ]. Although they were present in certain studies and collection volumes almost escaped historical criticism the importance of these inscriptions for the preservation and confession of the true faith on the territory of our country, in historical moments when the patriarch of Constantinople himself had fallen into this heresy, like other hierarchs from the south of the Danube. In that historical context of debates and synodal decisions (Ephesus 431), some cities from the Eastern Roman Empire took the Mother of God (Theotokos) as their emblem and defender, as in the territory of our country at Sucidava-Celei (Corabia-Olt), around the basilica there were discovered around 27 inscriptions on this theme (the most in the provinces of the Roman Empire, relative to the area of a city) of confession, some even during the Nestorian debates.
Pages: 45-55