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Dormition

Vespers for the Feast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary

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Glory to Jesus Christ!

Mark your calendars and please join us on Wednesday, 14 August 2024, at 6pm, as we end the Dormition Fast together with the celebration of Vespers for the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God (15 August).

All are welcome!

In giving birth you preserved your virginity, | in falling asleep you did not forsake the world, O Theotokos. | You were translated to life, O Mother of Life, | and by your prayers, you deliver our souls from death.
— Troparion for the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God

DORMITION OF THE MOST HOLY MOTHER OF GOD. Holy Trinity Church, Sopoćani Monastery, Novi Pazar, Serbia. (1271-1274)

Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God

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Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!

Please join us on Monday, 14 August at 6pm, at Four Evangelists Orthodox Church as we celebrate Vespers for the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God (15 August). All are welcome!

“In giving birth thou didst preserve thy virginity; in falling asleep thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos. Thou wast translated to life, O Mother of Life, and by your prayers you deliver our souls from death.

— Troparion for the Feast of the Mother of God

Dormition of the All-Holy Mother of God
Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God

Dormition (Fast & Feast), Transfiguration

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Glory to Jesus Christ!

The Dormition Fast is nearly upon us! Occurring from August 1 – 14, and concluding with the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God on August 15, the Dormition Fast is one of the four main fasting seasons of the church. This season is a wonderful opportunity to draw near to the Lord and to turn away from ourselves. Far from being a means to judge others, to create a sense of self-righteousness, or an opportunity to merely “follow the rules”, fasting is an opportunity to be made in the image of Christ. It is a tool for holiness with the help of God. As St. Symeon the New Theologian (+1022) writes:

For fasting, and vigils, and sleeping on the floor, and prostrations, and praying, and every other suffering of evil is nothing without Divine grace.

The First-Created Man (St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood, 1979)

On August 6th, during the middle of the Dormition Fast, is the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord. Please join us on Monday, August 5th, at 7PM as we celebrate the Vigil for the Feast.

Transfiguration of Our Lord
Icon of the Transfiguration of Our Lord

Concluding the Dormition Fast on August 15 is the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God. Please join us on Wednesday, August 14, at 7PM as we celebrate the Vigil for the Feast of the Dormition.

Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos
Icon of the Dormition of the Mother of God