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Historically, the designation of Mary as the Theotokos faced challenges, particularly from heretical perspectives that wished to limit her role solely to that of the "Mother of Christ." This view, expressed by figures like the heretic Nestorius, minimizes the divine nature of Christ, suggesting that Mary was only the mother of his human aspect. However, St. Cyril of Alexandria argued against this notion, insisting that if Christ is fully God, as well as fully human, it is entirely appropriate to call Mary the Mother of God. This assertion emphasizes the dual nature of Christ, a fundamental belief in Orthodox theology.