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Why are there two churches built in the late 10th and early 11th centuries at the Monastery of Hosios Loukas in Greece? Which one is earlier? What is meant by the term "Theotokos"? By "Katholikon"?

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Final answer:

The Monastery of Hosios Loukas in Greece has two churches: the older church dedicated to the Vir-gin and the newer katholikon. The term 'Theotokos' refers to the Vir-gin Mary, and 'Katholikon' refers to the main church of a monastery or cathedral.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Monastery of Hosios Loukas in Greece has two churches built in the late 10th and early 11th centuries. The older church, located to the north, is dedicated to the Vir-gin and features a cross-in-square plan. The newer church, known as the katholikon, was built in the eleventh century and has a larger, octagon-domed plan.

The term 'Theotokos' refers to the Vir-gin Mary and means 'Mother of God' in Greek. It is a title given to her in Christian theology.

'Katholikon' is a term used to describe the main church of a monastery or a cathedral. It is the most important religious building within the complex and is used for worship and communal activities.

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