The Theotokos in Scripture and Hymnography

Materials:

Procedure:

Tell students: Over the past several sessions we have discussed the major feasts of the Theotokos. The Theotokos is very important to Orthodox Christians. We remember her frequently in our private prayers and in the services of the Church. Often we hear her referred to in ways that we might consider unusual at first. Ladder, Gate of Heaven and Uncut Mount are some references to the Theotokos. These images come from the Old Testament. The Old Testament contains many prophecies about Christ and the Theotokos. Many people are familiar with the prophecies about Mary being a virgin and that Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem. "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14) and "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days" (Micah 5:2). Although these may be the most familiar, they are not the only references that “prefigure” or show us about Mary and Jesus.

Tell the students: Today we are going to look at some lines from some of our services that describe the Theotokos using some of these Old Testament references, and then try and discover where they came from. We’ll also be looking at some of the other icons of the Theotokos. Divide the students into pairs or groups of three, depending on the number of students. Give them a list of the scriptural references, a Bible, a dictionary and several of the excerpts from the hymns below. Have them look up the references until they find the ones that the hymns they have refer to, and then copy the scriptural reference. Once everyone has finished have them take turns reading the hymns and the scriptural quotes.

Excerpts from Hymns

Rejoice, O Mother of the True Life.
Rejoice, for by your obedience the disobedience of Eve was annulled.
Rejoice, for you have opened the gates of Paradise.
Rejoice, for you brought into the world the One Who crushes the head of the serpent.
Akathist to the Wonderworking Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Ikos2

Rejoice, O Ark that carried the Salvation of the world.
Rejoice, O Ark that saves the world from the deluge of our sins.
Akathist to the Wonderworking Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Ikos 2

Rejoice, O Ladder, upon which God has descended to the earth.
Rejoice, O Ladder, through which we ascend to Heaven.
Akathist to the Wonderworking Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Ikos 2

Rejoice, for you drown evil thoughts like Pharaoh in the sea.
Rejoice, O Burning Bush not consumed by the Flame of divinity that dwells in you.
Akathist to the Wonderworking Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Ikos 2

Rejoice, O Tablet inscribed with the Covenant of the Law of God.
Rejoice, O Stone that pours forth the Water of Life for a thirsty people.
Rejoice, O Lady, our merciful defender before God!
Akathist to the Wonderworking Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Ikos 2

 Rejoice, O Tabernacle wherein God dwelt in the flesh.
Akathist to the Wonderworking Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Ikos 3

Rejoice, O Holy of Holies into which only the Eternal High Priest can enter.
Akathist to the Wonderworking Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Ikos 3

Rejoice, O Ark of the Covenant, filled with the Spirit that bore the Giver of the Law.
Akathist to the Wonderworking Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Ikos 3

Rejoice, O Candlestand aflame with the fire of Divinity.
Rejoice, O Vessel that carried Christ, the Manna of Life.
Rejoice, O Banquet Feast, feeding us with the Bread of Life.
Rejoice, O Censer, radiant with the warmth of God, filling the world with sweet smelling incense.
Akathist to the Wonderworking Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Ikos 3

 Rejoice, O Stem, from which Christ the Flower blossomed.
Akathist to the Wonderworking Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Ikos 3

Rejoice, O Pillar of Fire which leads us to the Promised Land.
Rejoice, O Pillar of Cloud that hides us from all visible and invisible enemies.
Rejoice, O Promised Land.
Akathist to the Wonderworking Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Ikos 3

Rejoice, O Fleece upon which Christ descended as dew from the heavens.
Rejoice, O Lady, our merciful defender before God!
Akathist to the Wonderworking Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Ikos 3

Rejoice, O Abode that the Wisdom of God fashioned as His dwelling place.
Rejoice, O Virgin who gave birth to Emmanuel.
Akathist to the Wonderworking Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Ikos 5

Rejoice, O Staff of Jesse, from which Christ God, the Flower, blossomed.
Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride who conceived the Son by the descent of the Spirit.
Akathist to the Wonderworking Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Ikos 5

Rejoice, O Sealed Chamber from which Christ alone came forth.
Rejoice, O Mount unhewn from which the Cornerstone was fashioned.
Akathist to the Wonderworking Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Ikos 5

Rejoice, for you brought to the temple the Source of all Holiness.
Rejoice, for you were blessed by Simeon.
Rejoice, for you were magnified by the Prophetess Anna
Akathist to the Wonderworking Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Ikos 8

Rejoice, for you sanctified Egypt by seeking refuge in her.
Rejoice, for you glorified Galilee by finding shelter there.
Akathist to the Wonderworking Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Ikos 9

Rejoice, for you honored Jerusalem by searching for your beloved Son.
Rejoice, for you found Him in the House of His Father.
Akathist to the Wonderworking Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Ikos 9

Rejoice, for you kept all things concerning Him secret in your heart.
Rejoice, for you were the first to know Him as your God.
Rejoice, for you dedicated your earthly life to Him.
Akathist to the Wonderworking Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Ikos 9

Rejoice, for you adopted the Apostle John and us the faithful while standing at the Cross of your Son.
Rejoice, for shedding forth your maternal love on us through His Redeeming Blood.
Akathist to the Wonderworking Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Ikos 9

Rejoice, for first discerning the Divine Mystery of His Resurrection.
Rejoice, for joyously witnessing His Ascension into Heaven.
Rejoice, O Lady, our merciful defender before God!
Akathist to the Wonderworking Icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos Ikos 9

As you are a living Temple of God,
let no impure hand touch you, O Theotokos.
But let the lips of all believers sing,
constantly magnifying you in joy with the angelic salutation:
Truly you are above all creatures, O Pure One!
Hymn to the Theotokos (from Annunciation)

The bush that burned with fire and remained unconsumed Disclosed the mystery that shall come to pass in you. For after childbirth, you shall remain ever-virgin, pure maiden, full of grace.
Canon of the Annunciation

My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden,
For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm:
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and exalted those of low degree.
He has filled the hungry with good things;
and the rich He has sent empty away.
He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy;
As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His posterity forever.
The Magnificat from Matins