Athens and Jerusalem Mary as Theotokos—with Metropolitan Kallistos of Diokleia
Aug 11, 2023
Metropolitan Kallistos Ware, a renowned figure in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, sheds light on the profound significance of Mary as Theotokos. He explores the early theological dispute between St. Cyril of Alexandria and Nestorius, revealing contrasting perspectives on Christ's nature. Kallistos discusses the rise of Marian devotion in the early 5th century, balancing admiration with caution against misunderstanding her divinity. The conversation is enriched with personal reflections and a glimpse into the transformative power of faith through history.
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Ghost Story Illustrates Incarnation
- Metropolitan Kallistos shares a ghost story about a Latin grammar class that illustrates the incarnation of Christ.
- The story’s phrase "If you will not come to me, I shall come to you" symbolizes God coming to humanity since we cannot come to Him due to sin.
Two Approaches to Christology
- The Alexandrian approach stresses Christ's divinity but weakly addresses his full human psychology.
- The Antiochian view emphasizes Christ's real human experiences but struggles to express his unity as one person.
Characters of Nestorius and Cyril
- Nestorius was a sincere but tactless preacher who became Patriarch of Constantinople.
- Cyril was a well-educated, authoritative Patriarch of Alexandria with a forceful character.
