Church celebrates the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos
The icon of the Dormition of the Theotokos. Photo: open sources
On August 28 (August 15 according to the Julian calendar), the Orthodox Church celebrates the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos – one of the most important feasts of the church calendar, also known as the little Pascha. This day concludes the two-week Dormition Fast and is especially revered among believers.
According to church tradition, the Most Holy Virgin Mary received the news of her approaching blessed repose from the Archangel Gabriel. The Theotokos passed away surrounded by the apostles in Jerusalem. When the Apostle Thomas arrived on the third day and they opened the tomb, the body of the Mother of God was gone – She was taken up to heaven with both body and soul, as it is written: "Arise, O Lord, into thy resting place: thou and the ark, which thou hast sanctified" (Ps. 131: 8).
The Feast of the Dormition concludes the strict fast that lasted from August 14 to 27. The feast remains one of the central events of the church year for Orthodox Christians.
Earlier, the UOJ analyzed why the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos is both a tragic and festive event.
Read also
Khust Eparchy priest who shot people in Vyshkovo banned from ministry
The Khust Eparchy of the UOC has notified police that it has banned from ministry a priest suspected of killing three people in Vyshkovo, Transcarpathia.
Metropolitan Onuphry congratulates Georgia on 1,700 years of Christianity
The Primate of the UOC sent a message to Patriarch Shio III on the anniversary of Christianity becoming the state religion in Georgia.
Zakarpattia marks 25th anniversary of Alexis of Carpatho-Russia's glorification
An all-night vigil was served at St. Nicholas Monastery in the village of Iza-Karputlash to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the glorification of St. Alexis of Carpatho-Russia.
DESS finds Balta Eparchy of UOC affiliated with ROC
Yelensky-headed state service said it found signs of affiliation of the Balta Eparchy Administration of the UOC with the ROC.
Upper Lavra court hearing postponed
The next court hearing in the Upper Lavra case has been scheduled for November 3.
UOC priest blesses ambulances at Kamianske medical center
A UOC priest in Kamianske blessed ambulances for a medical facility and wished its doctors God's help in their work.