[Kolokotronis]

"I think that the most simple Russian or Greek peasant hearing the words of these hymns knew that Jesus is God and the Theotokos isn't, and interpreted the hymns in that light, just as we do today."

We peasants, or their children and grandchildren, still do! I, personally, even as a child, was never confused about this, and I doubt, Kosta, that you were either. :)

[kosta50]

I, personally, even as a child, was never confused about this, and I doubt, Kosta, that you were either

I made sure, lest I be misunderstood, to insert second paragraph in my post #64

I don't for a moment believe that any even "marginally" Orthodox believer would for a moment think -- based on the teaching of the Church -- that Theotokos is anything even close to God, but rather a model human being.

But others reading our words are difficult to convince we are not practicing idolatry. We could of course dismiss it and go about our way, but that's not the purpose of the believers, is it?