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The third ecumenical council was held in Ephesus
The Seven Ecumenical Councils
The third ecumenical council in 431 AD, held in Ephesus at the first church named after the Virgin Mary in the world. This pivotal gathering marked a crucial moment in the early Christian church's history, particularly in defining the nature of Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. The location at the church dedicated to the Virgin Mary added a layer of spiritual significance.
Main Decisions of the Council of Ephesus
- Mary was officially affirmed as ''Theotokos''
- Nestorianism was condemned
Nestorius taught that Christ had two separate natures (one divine, one human). He believed Mary gave birth to Christ’s human nature, not to God’s divine nature. Because of this, he objected to calling Mary Theotokos (“God-bearer”), preferring Christotokos (“Christ-bearer”). The council affirmed instead that Jesus Christ is one person with two natures (divine and human), united without separation. The council emphasized that Christ is one Person (hypostasis). His divinity and humanity are united in one person. Because he refused to accept the council’s teaching, Nestorius was removed from his positionas Patriarch of Constantinople.
The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos
The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos is a very important Christian feast, especially in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches.
Theotokos = *Mother of God*
Dormition = *falling asleep*
So the feast commemorates the falling asleep (death) of the Virgin Mary, and her being taken into heaven by Christ. The Feast of Dormition of Mary is a significant celebration observed on August 15th by Eastern Orthodox Churches, while the Roman Catholic Church commemorates the same day as the Feast of Assumption. The East emphasizes Mary’s death and the West emphasizes her being taken up into heaven. August 15th is a day of profound reverence and reflection for believers in both faiths as they celebrate the spiritual significance of Mary's role in Christian theology. The dual observance on the 15th of August showcases the deep historical and cultural importance of Mary in the Christian faith, uniting followers in devotion and commemoration of her extraordinary life and spiritual legacy.
Theotokos = *Mother of God*
Dormition = *falling asleep*
So the feast commemorates the falling asleep (death) of the Virgin Mary, and her being taken into heaven by Christ. The Feast of Dormition of Mary is a significant celebration observed on August 15th by Eastern Orthodox Churches, while the Roman Catholic Church commemorates the same day as the Feast of Assumption. The East emphasizes Mary’s death and the West emphasizes her being taken up into heaven. August 15th is a day of profound reverence and reflection for believers in both faiths as they celebrate the spiritual significance of Mary's role in Christian theology. The dual observance on the 15th of August showcases the deep historical and cultural importance of Mary in the Christian faith, uniting followers in devotion and commemoration of her extraordinary life and spiritual legacy.
Icon of the dormition of Theotokos
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