Prosopon

Prosopon (UKˈprɒsəpɒn, USprəˈsoʊ-; from πρόσωπον prósōpon; plural: πρόσωπα prósōpa) is a theological term used in Christian theology as designation for the concept of a divine person. The term has a particular significance in Christian Triadology (study of the Trinity), and also in Christology. In English language, the form prosopon is used mainly in scholarly works, related to theology, philosophy or history of religion, while it is also commonly translated as person, both in scholarly or non-scholarly writings. The term prosopon should not be confused with the term hypostasis, which is related to similar theological concepts, but differs in meaning. The Latin term for prosopon, traditionally used in Western Christianity, and from which the English term person is derived, is persona. In Ancient Greek language, term prosopon originally designated one's "face" or "mask". In that sense, it was used in Greek theatre, since actors wore specific masks on stage, in order to reveal their character and emotional state to the audience. The term prosopon had an important role in the development of theological terminology related to the Holy Trinity, and Jesus Christ. It was the subject of many theological debates and disputes, particularly through early centuries of Christian history. The term prosopon is most commonly used for the self-manifestation of an individual hypostasis. Prosopon is the form in which hypostasis appears. Every hypostasis has its own prosopon: face or countenance. It gives expression to the reality of the hypostasis with its powers and characteristics. Paul the Apostle uses the term when speaking of his direct apprehension in the heart of the face (prosopon) of Christ (). In Christian Triadology (study of the Holy Trinity) three specific theological concepts have emerged throughout history, in reference to number and mutual relations of divine persons: monoprosopic concept advocates that God has only one person; dyoprosopic concept advocates that God has two persons (Father and Son); triprosopic concept advocates that God has three persons (Father, Son and the Holy Spirit).