Posts
Introduction
The Dormition Fast, observed from August 1st to August 14th, is a deeply significant period of spiritual preparation for Eastern Orthodox Christians. Leading up to the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15th, this fast—often referred to as “the Virgin’s Fast”—calls the faithful to a season of repentance, prayer, and focused devotion. Just as Lent prepares the Church for Pascha, so too the Dormition Fast prepares us to contemplate the mystery of the death, burial, and assumption of the Mother of God.
One of the central elements of this fast is abstinence from certain foods, mirroring other major fasts of the Church. Orthodox Christians abstain from meat, dairy products, fish (with backbones), wine, and oil during the fast. However, there are modest relaxations: on Saturdays and Sundays, the consumption of wine and oil is permitted. A special exception occurs on August 6th, the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ, when the faithful are allowed to partake of fish, wine, and oil. While dietary restrictions form a visible part of the fast, they are not an end in themselves. Rather, they function as tools for cultivating self-control, humility, and spiritual vigilance.
In addition to fasting, the Dormition Fast is marked by an increase in prayer and spiritual attention. The faithful are encouraged to participate more fully in the liturgical life of the Church, to attend weekday services, and to spend more time in personal prayer and spiritual reading. The goal is to detach from worldly distractions and to draw near to Christ through the example and intercession of His Mother.
A unique and beautiful feature of the Dormition Fast—particularly in the Greek Orthodox tradition—is the chanting of the Paraklesis services. These are supplicatory canons addressed to the Theotokos, offered most evenings during the fast. There are two forms: the Small Paraklesis, traditionally sung when August begins on an even-numbered day, and the Great Paraklesis, used when August begins on an odd-numbered day. Alternating between them, these services offer a heartfelt appeal for the intercessions of the Mother of God in times of illness, sorrow, and trial. They are deeply pastoral and personal, giving voice to the cries of the faithful seeking comfort and strength.
Alongside fasting and prayer, the Church also urges the faithful to renew their commitment to almsgiving and charitable acts. As with all fasts in the Orthodox tradition, the Dormition Fast must be accompanied by love and mercy toward others. Donating to the poor, caring for the sick or lonely, and offering one’s time or resources to those in need are tangible expressions of repentance. Without charity, fasting becomes an empty ritual; with it, the fast becomes transformative.
The fast culminates on August 15th with the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, one of the great feasts of the Orthodox Church. This day commemorates the falling asleep of the Virgin Mary, her burial by the Apostles, and her bodily translation into heaven. It is sometimes called the “Summer Pascha” due to the profound theological significance and joy it brings. Liturgical observances include Great Vespers on the eve and the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom on the feast day. In many communities, a Lamentations Service is held, featuring hymns and processions surrounding a beautifully adorned bier representing the Theotokos—echoing the services of Holy Friday.
Within the fast, the Church also celebrates the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6th. This feast commemorates the moment on Mount Tabor when Christ revealed His divine glory to His disciples. The light of this feast illuminates the fast with joy and hope, and the Church lightens the fasting rules for the day to reflect the celebration.
In all these practices—fasting, prayer, hymnography, and charity—the faithful are invited to walk with the Theotokos in her final earthly days, to mourn her falling asleep, and to rejoice in her glorification. The Dormition Fast is not merely a remembrance of the Virgin Mary’s death, but a participation in the mystery of life in Christ, made visible through her. As she bore Christ into the world, so now the faithful, through spiritual effort, prepare to receive Him anew—by walking the path of humility, prayer, and love that she exemplifies.
The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos: An Orthodox Christian Perspective
Overview and Celebration Date
The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, also known as the Assumption of Mary in Western Christianity, is one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church. It commemorates the "falling asleep" (Dormition) and bodily assumption of Mary, the Mother of God (Theotokos), into heaven. The feast is celebrated on August 15th (August 28th in the Julian calendar).
Theological Significance
The Dormition signifies the Theotokos' role in salvation history and underscores the Orthodox belief in the bodily resurrection. It celebrates her passing from earthly life into eternal life, emphasizing that Mary, who bore the incarnate God, was honored with a blessed end. The feast reflects the hope and assurance of resurrection for all faithful Christians.
Biblical References to the Virgin Mary
Old Testament Prefigurement
While the Old Testament does not directly reference the Dormition, several events and symbols are seen as prefigurements:
- Ezekiel 44:2: "Then said the Lord unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the Lord, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut." This verse is interpreted as a prophecy of Mary's perpetual virginity and unique sanctity.
- Psalm 132:8: "Arise, O Lord, into Thy rest; Thou, and the ark of Thy strength." The ark is often seen as a type of Mary, who bore the Divine Word.
- Song of Solomon 2:10-11: "My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone." This passage is interpreted as an allegory of the Theotokos being called to heavenly rest.
New Testament
- Luke 1:28: "And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." The Annunciation underscores Mary’s unique role and favor with God.
- Luke 1:48: "For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed." This verse highlights the perpetual honor given to Mary.
- John 19:26-27: "When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home." This passage illustrates the care and honor Christ extended to His mother.
Eastern Patristic Commentaries
- He describes the Dormition as the fulfillment of Mary's life and her entry into the fullness of the resurrection, prefiguring the final resurrection of all Christians.
- "She, who by her surpassing purity became the dwelling place of the Creator of all things, has passed into eternal life, being translated from this temporal life to the eternal."
St. John of Damascus
St. John of Damascus, in his homilies on the Dormition, emphasizes the miraculous and unique nature of Mary’s death and assumption: - "O most blessed one, in thee alone is the miracle, which passes all understanding, accomplished."
St. Gregory Palamas
St. Gregory Palamas speaks of Mary’s role in the divine economy and her exaltation:
- He highlights the Dormition as a celebration of Mary’s entrance into eternal life, which serves as a model for the faithful.
St. Andrew of Crete
St. Andrew of Crete, in his homilies, speaks of the Dormition as a transition from earthly life to heavenly glory:
- "What words of praise shall we weave as a garland for the Virgin? For she is exalted above all other creatures."
- He emphasizes the honor and exaltation given to Mary, reflecting the hope and future glorification of all Christians.
The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos is a profound celebration within the Orthodox Church, deeply rooted in theological significance and biblical typology. It reflects the honor given to Mary, her unique role in salvation history, and the hope of resurrection and eternal life promised to all faithful Christians. Through the teachings and commentaries of the Eastern Church Fathers, the Dormition is celebrated not only as an event in the life of Mary but as a testament to the ultimate victory over death through Christ.
