Feast of the Assumption/Dormition of the Virgin -  August 15

Byzantine Liturgy with procession, blessing of bread and festal anointing
Sunday, August 14, 6:30 p.m.

Mass, Monday, August 15, 6:30 p.m.

The Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary commemorates the repose or "falling-asleep" of the Mother of Jesus Christ, our Lord. The Feast also commemorates the Assumption into heaven of the body of the Blessed Mother.

 

 

The Icon of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos shows her on her deathbed surrounded by the Apostles. Christ is standing in the center looking at His mother. He is holding a small child clothed in white representing the soul of the Virgin Mary. With His golden garments, the angels above His head, and the mandorla surrounding Him, Christ is depicted in His divine glory.

 

 

The posture of the Apostles direct attention toward the Theotokos. On the right Saint Peter censes the body of the Theotokos. On the left Saint Paul bows low in honor of her.

 

Together with the Apostles are several bishops and women. These bishops traditionally represented there, especially St. James, the brother of the Lord, the first bishop of Jerusalem. The women seen are members of the church in Jerusalem.

 

In front of the bed of the Theotokos is a candle that helps to form a central axis in the icon. Above the candle is the body of the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. Standing over His mother is Christ holding her most pure soul. Above Christ the gates of heaven stand open, ready to receive the Mother of God.

 

 

This great Feast of the Church and the icon celebrates a fundamental teaching of our faith—the Resurrection of the body. In the case of the Moher of God this has been accomplished by the divine will of God. Thus, this Feast is a feast of hope, hope in Resurrection and life eternal. Like those who gathered around the body of the Virgin Mary, we gather around our departed loved ones and commend their souls into the hands of Christ. As we remember those who have fallen asleep in the faith before us and have passed on into the communion of the Saints, we prepare ourselves to one day be received into the new life of the age to come.

 

We also affirm through this Feast as we journey toward our heavenly abode that the Mother of God intercedes for us. Through Christ she has become the mother of all of the children of God, embracing us with divine love.