Beloved in Christ, today we rejoice in the sacred memory of the Dormition of our Most Blessed Lady, the Theotokos, whom the whole Church venerates as the “Queen of All” and the “Bearer of Life.” Through her earthly falling asleep, we are led into the eternal life she inherited by grace. Let us open our hearts to the depth of this great mystery.
The Dormition: A Passage into Divine Life
The Gospel tells us that Mary “departed this life, was assumed into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Son” (one of the troparia of the feast). Unlike all others, her “death” is more a transformation. Rather than honoring corruption, we celebrate her passing into glory.
- In her, we see the fulfillment of the resurrection promise—death conquered, humanity glorified.
- Her Dormition points to our future: we are called to eternal life, body and soul.
Mary: The First Fruit of the New Creation
Holy Scripture and the Church’s tradition teach that Mary is the first full participant in the resurrected life. In her person, the new creation begins.
- She carried within her womb the One through whom all things were made.
- She now reigns as the “new Eve,” the mother of all the living, sharing in the body of her Son, Jesus Christ.
This teaches us: holiness is not merely moral uprightness, but mystical union with Christ—body and soul, in communion with God.
Our Calling: The Imitation of Mary’s Faith
If Mary is the first to enter glory, we too are called to walk her path through this earthly life:
- By childlike trust—she said “Yes” at the Annunciation and never turned back.
- By surrender—at Cana she intercedes for others; at Golgotha she stands steadfast in sorrow.
- By hope—her Dormition reminds us not to fear death, for we journey toward the resurrection.
Every moment of divine liturgy, every time we call her “More honorable than the cherubim,” we lift our souls to that heavenly reality.
The Dormition as the Feast of Paraclete
In our hymns, Mary is described as “the protection of Christians, the hope of the world, for the salvation of humanity, the champion invincible.”
As our living mother, she continues to intercede for us—not as one distant in heaven, but as a mother ever-loving, never silent in her care.
Whenever we light candles before her icon, we are not worshiping her, but invoking her intercession, believing that because of her close union with Christ, her prayers carry great weight.
A Homily for Today: The Invitation to Feast and Hope
Brothers and sisters, as we venerate the Mother of God today:
- Let us embrace her humility and faith.
- Let us examine our fears and anxieties about death and ground them in her hope.
- Let us entrust ourselves to her intercession. Just as she stands at the right hand of Her Son, so does she stand at our side now.
The Dormition is not a liturgical eulogy, but a call to hope: “Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, Mary full of Grace! From death You have delivered Your people, and we magnify You!”
Closing Prayer
O gracious and all-immaculate Mother of God, at your Dormition, you were lifted from earth to heaven, carrying the hope of all creation. As we commemorate your passing into eternal rest, help us to walk in your footsteps, trusting always in your intercession. May we inherit eternal life through your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who rose from the dead and glorified you as above all living.
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, have mercy on us and save us.
Amen.
