Dormition of the Theotokos: A Day of Remembrance and Celebration
The Dormition of the Theotokos is one of the most revered feasts in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Celebrated annually on August 15th, this holy day commemorates the peaceful passing and assumption into heaven of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ. The term “Dormition,” from the Greek for “falling asleep,” reflects the belief that Mary’s death was a serene and sacred transition, not a tragic end. In the Catholic tradition, this event is also known as the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
This feast is among the twelve Great Feasts of the Orthodox liturgical calendar, observed with deep reverence, joyful hymns, and communal gatherings. It honors the life, faith, and exemplary role of the Theotokos—meaning “God-bearer”—and highlights her unique place in salvation history.
