The Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos commemorates the peaceful passing of the Virgin Mary and her bodily assumption into heaven. After Christ’s Ascension, she lived under the care of the Apostle John, edifying believers with stories of the Savior’s early life. Her holiness, humility, and spiritual wisdom left a deep impression on all who met her. She traveled with the Apostles during their missions and was held in great reverence, with accounts of her life and virtues passed down by saints like Dionysius the Areopagite, Ignatius the God-Bearer, and Ambrose of Milan, who described her purity, prayerfulness, and grace.

According to Tradition, Mary was warned of her approaching death by the Archangel Gabriel and, filled with peace, she gathered the Apostles together. Miraculously transported from their various places of mission, they were present to witness her passing. Surrounded by prayer and divine light, she surrendered her soul to Christ without pain, as if falling asleep. Her body, fragrant and incorrupt, was laid in a tomb in Gethsemane, where miracles continued to occur. On the third day, the tomb was found empty, confirming her bodily ascent into heaven. Later that day, she appeared to the Apostles, assuring them of her eternal presence.

The Dormition is honored especially at the Church of the Mother of God in Gethsemane, built over her tomb. Despite centuries of destruction and change, the site remains a powerful place of pilgrimage. Each year on August 14 and 15, solemn processions and liturgies reenact her burial and celebrate her entrance into eternal life. Pilgrims from around the world gather to venerate her burial shroud and icon, offering prayers for peace and healing. The feast is marked by the blessing of flowers, symbolizing her incorrupt body and the sweet fragrance of her life, reminding the faithful of her ongoing intercession and the promise of resurrection.

Troparion — Tone 1

In giving birth, you preserved your virginity, / and in falling asleep you did not forsake the world, O Theotokos. / You passed into life as the Mother of Life, / and by your prayers, you deliver our souls from death.

Kontakion — Tone 2

Neither the tomb, nor death had power over the Theotokos, / who is unsleeping1 in her intercessions and an unchanging hope in her protection. / For as the Mother of Life, / she was translated into life by Him who dwelt in her ever-virginal womb.