The mother church image in the context of early Christian catechesis

The Church image as Mother is widespread in early Christian literature. This article studies the meaning of this metaphor in the catechetical practice of the Early Church. The use of maternal symbolism is analysed for different stages of the catechetical process. Included in the catechetical sources of the 2nd-5th centuries from different Roman provinces, the main instructive meaning of the “Mother Church” image is summarized and structured. The use of “mother” and “womb” metaphors with regard to the sacrament of baptism as the rebirth of the human person are the most studied in scholarly literature. However their usage at other stages of catechesis, such as pre-baptismal preparation and mystagogical instruction, is not sufficiently revealed. The article presents some examples of usage of the image of “Mother Church” in baptismal homilies, catechetical lectures, biblical commentaries for catechumens, sermons on the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and on the days of the Bright Week. It is described how catechists delivered various ethical admonitions based on the understanding of a special connection among the faithful - children of the same Father and Mother. Special attention is given to the catechesis of St. Augustine of Hippo and St. John Chrysostom. The conclusion is made that early Christian experience of using this metaphor is still relevant for the catechetical practice nowadays. Family allusions are attractive and understandable to modern people, and a reminder of the maternal “nature” of the Church reveals the calling to the whole church congregation (clerics and laity, men and women) to serve for education, bringing new people to God the Father.