The Mystery of Theotokos in Byzantine Hymnography: Theotokology in Hymnography of St. John of Damascus

Authors:

Pages: 9-27
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54664/VPAA3334

Abstract:

The paper aims to analyze the way in which the Theotokos – the Mother of God is portrayed in Byzantine hymnography, as particularly in the hymnographic writings of St John Damascene. As the purpose of the Church hymnography is to transfer a dogmatic message by means of poetry, the representation of Mary the Mother of God serves to underline Trinitarian and Christological dogma. By proclaiming Mary as Theotokos – the Mother of God, the hymnography stresses the reality of Incarnation of God. Moreover, due to Incarnation of the Logos of God in her, Theotokos is saved and deified. In Trinitarian terms, Theotokos is interpreted as the chosen vessel by the Holy Trinity to accomplish the Mystery of the Incarnation of God the Logos. The further focus of the paper is on identification of the Theotokos with the Church, the Heaven and the Temple of the Godhead.

Keywords:

Theotokos, Byzantine hymnography, Trinitarian theology, Christology, John Damascene

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