Theotokos literally translates as "God-bearer." It is also acceptable to render it as "Mother of God."

The term is important because it certifies the fundamental understanding that Jesus had a human progenitor. The early Church grappled with gnostic teachings that Christ was wholly divine and merely appeared in the form of a man. The role of the Theotokos in the loving upbringing of her son effectively contradicts such uncomfortable teachings.

The Church also spent some effort debating the proper term to use to address Mary. For some time it considered "Christotokos," or "Christ-bearer." This term is also accurate, but is insufficient to reinforce the importance of the dual nature of Jesus.

For more information on the historical significance and progression of the term, see the Orthodox Wiki article on the Theotokos.

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