Dormition of the Theotokos

Dormition of the Theotokos (CYP / ROU) History

The Dormition of the Theotokos commemorates the death, resurrection, and assumption of Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. The event holds great significance in Eastern Orthodoxy, where Mary is considered the Theotokos, or God-bearer, due to her role in giving birth to Jesus. It also highlights the belief in her bodily assumption into heaven, thus prefiguring the general resurrection at the end of time. The observance emphasizes the importance of Mary's intercession and her role as a model of holiness for all Christians.

The origins of the Dormition can be traced back to the early Christian communities in Jerusalem, where it is believed to have been celebrated since the 5th century. The feast holds cultural and religious importance, especially in countries with prominent Orthodox Christian populations, such as Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus. The celebration of the Dormition contributes to the rich cultural heritage of Europe and highlights the diversity of religious beliefs and practices within the continent.

Common elements of celebration include religious services, prayers, and hymns dedicated to Mary, as well as processions bearing her holy icon. Traditional gatherings and festive meals might also take place in certain regions. The feast is generally celebrated on August 15 in the Julian calendar used by Orthodox Churches.

Top facts about Dormition of the Theotokos

• It is the customary of some churches to bless flowers on the feast of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos.
• There are no biblical or historical sources to support the feast. The tradition of the church simply maintains that Mary died by the necessity of her mortal human nature.
• The earliest known celebration of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos is between the first and fourth century, though there is no surviving documentation to prove this. The first real evidence that the feast was observed was in Jerusalem after the Council of Ephesus, which took place in the year 431.
• Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.– Saint Maximilian Kolbe

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Dormition of the Theotokos Top Events and Things to Do

• Attend mass on the day of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos. In the weekdays preceding the day, Paraklesis services are held at most Orthodox parishes in preparation for the day.
• Watch a movie about Christianity or fasting. Some of our favourites are: The Passion of the Christ (2004), God’s Not Dead (2014), and The Grace Card (2010).
• Host a feast at home. Invite over your family and friends and prepare an Orthodox meal for the celebration. Make sure that you have an icon of the Dormition of Theotokos placed somewhere in the room for the celebration. Typically, meats, dairy, oil and wine, all banned throughout fasting periods, are served to break the fast.
• Sing one of the hymns of the feast. Apolytikion and Kontakion can both be heard on this day.
• Spread awareness on social media by using the hashtags #DormitionoftheTheotokos, #VirginMary and #DormitionoftheMotherofLife.