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
TCC Abducted the Vice-Rector of Sumy Theological Seminary
The Sumy Diocese stated that contact with Archimandrite Anthony was lost after he was detained by TCC representatives.
Dumenko called the existence of the UOC a challenge for the church life of Ukraine
The head of the OCU once again demanded that the hierarchs and faithful of the UOC recognize the conditions of the Tomos and unite around the "Kyivan See."
Kyiv resident Osintseva stated in Kyiv that she has forgiven Russians
A resident of the capital who lost her parents after a missile strike published an appeal about forgiveness and the rejection of hatred.
Vinnytsia Diocese Held the Orthodox Festival "Zion"
Communities of seven churches in Vinnytsia participated in a charity fair and master classes as part of the festival.
A capsule was laid in the foundation of a new UOC church in the village of Mokrets
Metropolitan Volodymyr congratulated parishioners on the beginning of construction of the new church.
Dumenko claims OCU has 11 times more parishioners than UOC
According to Dumenko, the OCU has many times more believers than the UOC.