Decoding the Epithet of St. Mark: A Critique of Theorimos

In scholarly pursuits, particularly within the realm of historical and religious studies, the quest for understanding the origins and meanings of ancient titles and epithets often leads to vibrant debates. One such debate revolves around the Coptic epithet for St. Mark, "theorimos" or "beholder of God." A recent investigation into this epithet has sparked some controversy and discussion.

The author of the study, a Copt, proposes a complex hypothesis regarding the origins of the term "theorimos." However, a simpler and perhaps more plausible explanation is rooted in the Greek term θεωρούμενος (theoroumenos).

The Simplicity of θεωρούμενος

The Greek word θεωρούμενος, meaning "being observed" or "being contemplated," offers a straightforward explanation for the epithet "theorimos." This term aligns well with the theological and mystical traditions of early Christianity, particularly as articulated by Origen.

In Origen's Homilies on Jeremiah, he speaks about observing the back of God through intermediaries such as prophets and angels. He uses the term θεωρούμενος to describe how God is seen through these intermediaries:

"He who comes before an angel also sees God through an angel [δι’ ἀγγέλου]... Thus God was there in the angel being beheld [ὁ θεὸς ἐν τῷ ἀγγέλῳ θεωρούμενος], as God is known through the rock and the opening which is in it."

This usage by Origen highlights the mystical vision of God through intermediaries, fitting well with the idea of St. Mark as a "beholder of God." The term θεωρούμενος encapsulates the notion of divine vision mediated through sacred figures or objects, a common theme in early Christian thought.

The Missteps of Overcomplication

The critique here is aimed at the unnecessary complexity introduced by the recent hypothesis regarding "theorimos." The hypothesis diverts from the more evident connection to θεωρούμενος, leading to convoluted explanations that may obscure the straightforward understanding rooted in historical and linguistic context.

Supporting Perspectives

Further support for this interpretation comes from the writings of other early Christian theologians and scholars. For instance, Bogdan Bucur's analysis of Origen’s mystagogical theology emphasizes the angelic mediation in the vision of God, which resonates with the θεωρούμενος explanation.

Additionally, Diodore of Tarsus's connection between the "law of the Lord" and the "natural law" interpreted as "standing for" the "law beheld in nature" (ὁ διὰ τῆς κτίσεως θεωρούμενος) also reinforces the mystical vision aspect inherent in θεωρούμενος.

Conclusion

In scholarly analysis, the principle of Occam's Razor often proves invaluable: the simplest explanation is usually the correct one. In the case of the Coptic epithet for St. Mark, the Greek term θεωρούμενος provides a clear, historically and theologically grounded explanation. The complexity introduced by alternative hypotheses does not necessarily add value and may detract from the straightforward understanding that θεωρούμενος offers.

As we continue to explore the rich tapestry of early Christian traditions, it is crucial to balance innovative hypotheses with established linguistic and historical contexts to uncover the most coherent explanations.