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 4 - Theology in Verse: Middle Byzantine Hymnography
- 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
I return to hymnography in this chapter, looking at the development of a full calendar of Marian praise between about 600 and 1000 CE. The main source of Marian hymnography is the major feasts, which include the Virgin’s Nativity, Entrance into the Temple, Annunciation, Dormition and others. The festal hymns, which include kontakia, stichera, kanons and various other forms, provide Christological teaching, although intercessory supplication to the Virgin may also play a role in short hymns known as theotokia. It is especially in the weekday services that we find intense supplication to the Theotokos, particularly on Wednesdays and Fridays. Her human lament at the foot of the cross, which was remembered on those days throughout the liturgical year, may symbolise the contrition that was expected of monks and nuns at all times; it also highlights Mary’s human qualities, which came to be understood as models for ascetics to imitate.
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- Information
- The Virgin Mary in Byzantium, c.400-1000 , pp. 137 - 178Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2021