Happy Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos!

Mary said, "All generations will call be blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name." (Luke 1:48-49)

The icon above is from the early eighth century, Novgorod.

A video that explains the Holy Tradition of this event and feast may be found at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Pv2uy0J3eM

From our Antiochian Archdiocese Website:

The Theotokos, the Virgin Mary, was “blessed amongst women,” and she was chosen “to bear the Savior of our souls.” Orthodox Christians consider her to be the Queen of all the saints and angels.

Knowing that she is eternally present at the throne of God interceding for mankind, we pray for her love, guidance, and protection. Every year the Orthodox Church sets aside the first fourteen days of August in honor of the Virgin Mary. This fast period is climaxed on August 15th, when the Church gathers to celebrate the Great Feast of the Dormation (Falling-Asleep) of the Theotokos.

For more information, please visit:

http://antiochian.org/dormitionfast

Another link on this Feast helping to understand its connection with our lives may be found at the OCA website:

https://oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-church-year/dormition-of-the-theotokos