Today is the feast of the Dormition and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of our God...it is a feast which is celebrated in Catholic countries and Orthodox countries alike...in Greece, it is even called the 'small Pascha of the summer'...because it is such a big and important feast day.

In the tradition of the Greeks, I therefore wish everyone 'Chronia Pola'/'Many Years', and I wish a happy nameday to any and all who are named: Maria, Mary, Marie, Mario, Panayiotis, Panayiota, etc....

Alice

Dear Alice,

Although I am RC, I attended Dormition Divine Liturgy today at my local Byzcath church. In his homily, Father pointed out the distinctions in Eastern/Western theology about the Dormition/Assumption (perhaps for my benefit, as it was a tiny congregation and he knew I am RC). Much I already knew--for example that Pope Pius XII in his dogmatic definition left open the question of whether or not the Blessed Virgin Mary actually underwent death--but Father went on to say that the RC dogmatic constitution alludes to Our Lady's "death" at least four or five times.

I believe Father when he says this, but I was wondering if other Forum readers could direct me to those citations (without me having to read the entire document... or maybe I should just do that after all--might prove good reading for the Feast!).

Thanks,

Martin

Alice,
I found out today on the OCA website that there is a monastery named in honor of The Dormition of the Mother of God.

Dormition of The Mother of God Monastery

A blessed Feast Day to all.
CS