The Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos

Dearest Spiritual ‘Ohana,

The Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, celebrated on August 15, is one of the greatest feasts of the Orthodox Church. The word Dormition means "falling asleep" and refers to the peaceful death of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.

According to Orthodox Tradition, when the time came for her departure from this life, the Apostles were miraculously gathered to Jerusalem to be with her. Surrounded by the Apostles, the Theotokos surrendered her soul to her Son, Jesus Christ. Orthodox icons of the feast depict Christ standing above her bier, holding a small child clothed in white, symbolizing the pure soul of His Mother.

The Church teaches that after her dormition, the body of the Theotokos was placed in a tomb. When the ApostleThomas arrived and wished to venerate her body, the tomb was found empty. This tradition is understood by Orthodox Christians as a sign that the Mother of God had been taken into heavenly glory by her Son.

The Dormition is not a feast of sorrow, but of hope and victory. Through Christ's resurrection, death has been transformed from an end into a passage to eternal life. The Theotokos, as the first and greatest among the saints, is a witness to the destiny prepared for all who faithfully follow Christ.

Orthodox Christians prepare for this feast through the two-week Dormition Fast, seeking repentance, prayer, and renewed devotion to Christ. The feast reminds believers that the Mother of God continually intercedes for the Church and that all Christians are called to share in the resurrection and eternal life of the Kingdom of God.

During this period, we have Supplications to the Theotokos (Paraklesis Services). Also, during these first 14 days, we have the celebration of Christ’s Holy Transfiguration celebrated on August 6th, with Its Great Vespers celebrated on the evening of August 5th, with the new Liturgical Day beginning at sundown on the eve of the Feast.

May our Lady the Most Holy Theotokos pray ceaselessly for all of us before Her Son and our God.

With Love in Christ,

+Fr. Alexander