Utrenia – The Dormition of the Mother of God

On this day, the following are celebrated: the Dormition of the Mother of God, the Veneration of the Holy Icon of the Mother of God of Agiasos, and the Veneration of the Holy Icon of the Mother of God “Neamonitissa” from the Nea Moni Monastery on Chios.

The Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, celebrated by the Church on August 15, is one of the greatest imperial feasts dedicated to the Most Holy Mother of God and an occasion of great spiritual joy for all of Christendom. After a life lived in complete obedience to God’s will, in purity, humility, and perfect love, the Mother of God passed from this life into eternal life, being received with glory into the Kingdom of her Son. According to Holy Tradition, the Holy Apostles gathered in a wondrous manner at her bedside, and after the burial, the tomb was found empty, testifying to her assumption into heaven with her body.

The Dormition of the Mother of God is not a feast of parting, but of the victory of life over death and the fulfillment of God’s promise. Through her pure life and her faithful response to God’s call—“Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word”—the Most Holy Virgin Mary became the most chosen among all people, the Mother of God and the Mother of the entire Church. She remains for all believers a perfect model of humility, obedience, prayer, and self-sacrificing love.

This great feast urges us to look to the Mother of God as a tireless protector and intercessor before the heavenly Throne, seeking to follow the example of her holy life. As we honor her Dormition, we are strengthened in the faith that God grants eternal life to those who love Him and fulfill His will, and through the prayers of the Most Holy Mother of God, we ask for peace, health, strength in faith, and blessings for our families, communities, and our entire lives.

We warmly welcome you to the Chapel of the Saint Thecla Foundation, in a warm and welcoming setting!