Aeiparthenos
Encyclopedia
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Aeiparthenos (Greek ) is the title of the Theotokos
which refers to the "Ever Virgin" Mary, mother of Jesus, thus affirming the doctrine of the Perpetual virginity of Mary
. The term is also used to refer to icon
s of Mary, as in the "Theotokos Aeiparthenos" icon.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church
(item 499) also includes to the term Aeiparthenos and referring to Lumen Gentium
item 57 states: "Christ's birth did not diminish his mother's virginal integrity but sanctified it."
The term Aeiparthenos is attested to by Epiphanius of Salamis
from early 4th century.
Theotokos
Theotokos is the Greek title of Mary, the mother of Jesus used especially in the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches. Its literal English translations include God-bearer and the one who gives birth to God. Less literal translations include Mother of God...
which refers to the "Ever Virgin" Mary, mother of Jesus, thus affirming the doctrine of the Perpetual virginity of Mary
Perpetual virginity of Mary
The doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary, expresses the Virgin Mary's "real and perpetual virginity even in the act of giving birth to Jesus the Son of God made Man"...
. The term is also used to refer to icon
Icon
An icon is a religious work of art, most commonly a painting, from Eastern Christianity and in certain Eastern Catholic churches...
s of Mary, as in the "Theotokos Aeiparthenos" icon.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church
Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is the official text of the teachings of the Catholic Church. A provisional, "reference text" was issued by Pope John Paul II on October 11, 1992 — "the thirtieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council" — with his apostolic...
(item 499) also includes to the term Aeiparthenos and referring to Lumen Gentium
Lumen Gentium
Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, is one of the principal documents of the Second Vatican Council. This dogmatic constitution was promulgated by Pope Paul VI on November 21, 1964, following approval by the assembled bishops by a vote of 2,151 to 5...
item 57 states: "Christ's birth did not diminish his mother's virginal integrity but sanctified it."
The term Aeiparthenos is attested to by Epiphanius of Salamis
Epiphanius of Salamis
Epiphanius of Salamis was bishop of Salamis at the end of the 4th century. He is considered a saint and a Church Father by both the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Churches. He gained a reputation as a strong defender of orthodoxy...
from early 4th century.