Dormition
by Mary Pier (Sep. ’01)
On August 15, Orthodox Christians commemorate the Dormition of the Theotokos, when the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, fell asleep in the Lord. This feast day is important to the Church for many reasons. The example that Mary set by how she lived and the role of the Mother of God that Mary accepted are also celebrated and remembered on this day. In addition, Orthodox beliefs concerning the Dormition of the Theotokos also separate Orthodoxy from Catholicism and Protestant religions.
When Jesus was in agony on the cross, He appointed the Apostle John to take care of His mother saying: “Mother, behold your Son” and “Son, behold your Mother.” John obeyed Jesus’ command to take care of His mother. Mary lived with John in Jerusalem for the remainder of her life, where she made pilgrimages to Golgotha, the Mount of Olives, and other places essential to Jesus’ ministry. Mary fell peacefully asleep in the Lord at about the age of 60. At that time, all the Apostles were present except for the Apostle Thomas who was delayed. When Thomas arrived three days late after Mary’s funeral, he asked to see Mary so that he could embrace her for the last time. Instead of finding the body of Mary inside, only the winding sheet was found. It is the Orthodox belief that Jesus resurrected His mother after her death as a sign of respect and honor for His mother.
The Virgin Mary is a model of piety, prayer, and general acceptance of God’s will. She is a prime example of how we as Christians should live our lives. Her dedication to God and her holiness enabled her to be worthy of resurrection. The Orthodox belief in Mary’s death and resurrection differs from most religions. In the Catholic Church, it is believed that Mary did not die but was “assumed” into heaven before death and was crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth. Orthodox believe that because Jesus valued and loved His Mother, He gave her a death and resurrection similar to His own.
May we all sing in her praise: “In giving birth, you preserved your virginity. In failing 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)