The face of the Father in the Mother of God

This article by Michael Plekon examines the Marian theology of Paul Evdokimov, an Orthodox theologian of the Russian diaspora, through an in-depth study of his writings. The approach is both analytical and contemplative, drawing on Evdokimov's texts, the patristic tradition, liturgy, and iconography. The central idea is that Evdokimov presents the Mother of God as a double icon: an icon of the Church, as the prototype of the faithful disciple, and an icon of God himself, revealing in particular the hidden face of the Father. Her motherhood constitutes, on the human level, an authentic image of the Trinitarian mystery. The theological contribution of the article lies in shedding light on an often overlooked dimension of Orthodox Mariology: the Theotokos as a theophany of divine philanthropy, manifesting a kenotic and suffering God, and thus offering valuable resources for contemporary ecumenical dialogue.