What is "aeiparthenos"

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Aeiparthenos (Greek ) is the title of the Theotokos which refers to the "Ever Virgin" Mary, mother of Jesus, thus affirming the doctrine of the Perpetual virginity of Mary. The term is also used to refer to icons of Mary, as in the "Theotokos Aeiparthenos" icon.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (item 499) also includes to the term Aeiparthenos and referring to Lumen gentium item 57 states: "Christ's birth did not diminish his mother's virginal integrity but sanctified it."

The term Aeiparthenos is attested to by Epiphanius of Salamis from early 4th century.