The translation problem is a bear, as I mentioned in the former epistle. "God-bearer" is ambiguous, and not available because already claimed as the translation of "Theophoros." "Birth-giver of God" was used a century ago by Hapgood, and has some currency mainly because of that; but it strikes many as rather clumsy; "Godbirther" I have not seen, it is accurate enough, but I doubt that it would be any more popular than "Birth-Giver of God." Not translating at all, just saying "Theotokos," has become pretty widespread in the last quarter of the twentieth century; it has some difficulties too. There seems to be no single solution that is obviously better than the others. I can't think that French or Spanish have it any easier than English here; maybe that will be some comfort, since misery loves company.
Stephen
