The Council of Ephesus in 431 declared that the Blessed Virgin Mary is truly Mother of God (Theotokos). By being the mother of Jesus, in other words, she was not just the mother of a human being, but truly gave birth to God himself, because Jesus is not only human, but fully God. We therefore praise Mary as Mother of God (Deipara) as one who bore God in her womb and brough him into the world.

 

The symbol of the House of Ephesus is the star, representing the Virgin Mary, star of the sea.

 

The House of Ephesus is also represented by the mongoose, as an animal that destroys the serpent.

 

The patrons of the House of Nicaea are the Mother of God and St Cyril of Alexandria. St Cyril was the champion of the Council of Ephesus, fighting and defending the title of Theotokos (Birthgiver of God) for the holy Virgin Mary.