The Feast Day of the Holy Virgin Mother

As seen in "A Guide to Greek Traditions and Customs in America by Marilyn Rouvelas

The Dormition of the Mother of God
August 15, 2006

The Orthodox revere the Mother of God (Theotokos) above any other saint in the church. She always stands on Christ's right hand side in each church iconostasion, and an enormous icon of her with the Christ child dominates the space above the altar. Through her, the Virgin Mary, Christ proves his humanity. Four of the church's twelve great feast days are devoted to her, of which The Dormition is the most significant. Two weeks of fasting and special prayer services precede August 15 when the faithful crowd the church to honor her and remember her feast day. People commonly refer to the day as "Tis Panayias" ("Panayia's feast day")

The devout prepare for this great feast by fasting for two weeks, from August 1 to the evening of August 14. Fish is permitted on August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. No weddings may be performed during these two weeks.

A paraklisis is a service of supplication and prayer. The Orthodox Church traditionally holds one every evening during the first two weeks of August, except Saturdays, the feast day of the Transfiguration and on the eve of the Dormition, when a vesper service is held instead.

The feast day celebrates the death of the Virgin Mary, but the focus goes beyond her passing from the earth. Mary is the mother of all humanity and, through her, mankind also reaches heaven. Her special death in which her body did not become corrupted in a tomb but was carried to heaven glorifies her unique nature. This glorification of her soul and body is the true celebration of August 15.

The four services of the feast day (vespers, matins, litany, and Divine Liturgy) are outpourings of praise and supplication for the Theotokos in some of the church's most beautiful poetry.

When the Translation of thy most pure tabernacle was being prepared, the apostles surrounded they deathbed and looked upon thee with dread, and as they gazed at thy body, they were filled with awe. In tears Peter cried aloud to thee: "O undefiled Virgin, I see thee who are the life of all mankind lying here outstretched, and I am struck with wonder: for He who is the delight of the future life made His dwelling in thee. Pray, then fervently to thy Son and God to save thy flock from harm."

-Matins for the Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady from The Festal Menaion

Families honoring the Virgin Mary come primarily to the Divine Liturgy and often take communion. Some bake prosforo and/or bring a single flower or small bouquet to decorate her icon. After the service everyone greets each other with, "Ke tou chronou" (And to next year) and to those celebrating their name day. "Chronia polla"

August 15 may be the most popular name day of the year. Many names for both men and women come the Virgin Mary or Panayia, such as, Mary, Maria, Despina, Panayiota, Mario, and Panayiotis.

In Greece August 15 is a national holiday with dances, fireworks, and paniyiria (festivals). Some churches and monasteries hold all-night vigils from the late evening of August 14 to early morning of August 15.

You may want to make a pilgrimage during this time as a special tribute to the Theotokos or to fulfill a tama. The most famous pilgrimage site in Greece relating to the Virgin Mary is on the island of Tinos.

Malista can remember several such panayiria celebrated in the village of Paleopanayia Sparta, Greece; the lamb being spun to a roasted perfection, the band blaring over the squares public address system, the clarinets plaintive notes evoking the memories of summers past. The dancing and twining through the narrow streets crowded with cars and visitors; families staking out their dinner tables, and children running madly, under tables and through the crowds. Expatriates from all over the world returning to celebrate with a quick visit to the local church to light a candle and then on to the festivities. A celebration of the senses, sight, sound, smell and taste, all fulfilled by the end of the evening.

Malista!

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