Antidicomarianite

Antidicomarianite is a term used to describe a group of non-orthodox Christians who, during the 4th and 5th centuries, opposed the veneration of the Virgin Mary. The term is derived from the Greek words anti (against), dikē (justice), and Maria (Mary), thus meaning "opponents of Mary".

History

The Antidicomarianites emerged in the late 4th century in Arabia and Syria. They were particularly active during the 5th century, a period marked by numerous theological debates about the nature of Christ and the role of the Virgin Mary in the Incarnation. The Antidicomarianites rejected the growing veneration of Mary, arguing that she was a mere human and not a divine being. They also denied the perpetual virginity of Mary, asserting that she had other children after Jesus.

Beliefs

The Antidicomarianites held several beliefs that were contrary to the orthodox Christian views of the time. They rejected the idea that Mary was a Theotokos (God-bearer), a title that was officially endorsed by the Council of Ephesus in 431. They also denied the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, which holds that Mary was conceived without original sin. Furthermore, they believed that Mary had other children with Joseph after the birth of Jesus, a view that contradicts the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary.

Opposition and Decline

The Antidicomarianites faced strong opposition from orthodox Christians, particularly from Saint Epiphanius of Salamis, who wrote extensively against their beliefs in his work Panarion. The group gradually declined and disappeared by the end of the 5th century, although their beliefs continued to influence some Christian sects in the following centuries.

See Also

• Arianism
• Nestorianism
• Monophysitism