Book contents
- The Virgin Mary in Byzantium, c. 400–1000
- The Virgin Mary in Byzantium, c. 400–1000 CE
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Acknowledgements
- A Note on Capitalisation, Spelling and Recent Publications
- Introduction
- Chapter 1 Praise of Mary in Song: The Early Hymnography
- Chapter 2 From Theotokos to Intercessor: The Early Homiletic Witness (c. 400–600)
- Chapter 3 Panegyrics and Supplication: Homilies from c. 600 to 1000
- Chapter 4 Theology in Verse: Middle Byzantine Hymnography
- Chapter 5 Narratives about the Panagia
- Conclusion
- Bibliographies
- Index
Chapter 5 - Narratives about the Panagia
Miracle Stories, Hagiography and Apocalypses
- The Virgin Mary in Byzantium, c. 400–1000
- The Virgin Mary in Byzantium, c. 400–1000 CE
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Acknowledgements
- A Note on Capitalisation, Spelling and Recent Publications
- Introduction
- Chapter 1 Praise of Mary in Song: The Early Hymnography
- Chapter 2 From Theotokos to Intercessor: The Early Homiletic Witness (c. 400–600)
- Chapter 3 Panegyrics and Supplication: Homilies from c. 600 to 1000
- Chapter 4 Theology in Verse: Middle Byzantine Hymnography
- Chapter 5 Narratives about the Panagia
- Conclusion
- Bibliographies
- Index
Summary
This chapter covers a large literary category which I call ‘hagiographical’: it includes miracle stories that involve the Virgin Mary, full-length Lives of the Virgin (which began to be produced from the late eighth or early ninth century onward) and two Apocalypses. Many of the texts studied here are composed in a colloquial style that may have appealed to wider audiences in non-liturgical settings. This genre thus contrasts with the liturgical texts that are studied in the first four chapters: according to hagiography, Mary assumes power and agency that goes beyond her theological role in giving birth to Christ. Christians appeal to this female holy figure as one who is able to appeal to Christ and who is willing to help sinners or supplicants who despair of God’s direct favour. Christological teaching persists in these texts, but the emphasis has shifted to Mary’s intercessory role among Christians.
Keywords
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- The Virgin Mary in Byzantium, c.400-1000 , pp. 179 - 210Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2021