The Paradox of the Virgin-Theotokos: Evangelism and Imperial Politics in the 5th Century Byzantine World

This article considers the theological and political aspects involved in the 5th C controversy over the title 'Mother of God' as exemplified in the conflict between Nestorius of Constantinople and Cyril of Alexandria. The aristocratic women of the Byzantine capital, as well as popular religious movements in Egypt and Asia Minor, helped the title achieve ecumenical ascendancy in early Christianity