The Dormition commemorates the death, or falling asleep, of the Theotokos and the Church's hope in her participation in the life of her risen Son.
Why use the word Dormition? Dormition means falling asleep, a traditional Christian way of speaking about death in the light of the Resurrection.
What does the icon show? The Theotokos lies on a bier surrounded by the apostles, while Christ is commonly shown receiving her soul.
The Dormition is one of the Twelve Great Feasts.
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Established with the blessing of V. Rev. Fr. Wiaczeslaw, Rector of Orthodox Christian Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord (NY). |
