The feast commemorates her glorification and salvation in Jesus Christ. Fr. John Hopko says that, "the feast of the Dormition is the sign, the guarantee, and the celebration that Mary's fate is, the destiny of all those of "low estate" whose souls magnify the Lord, whose spirits rejoice in God the Saviour, whose lives are totally dedicated to hearing and keeping the Word of God which is given to men in Mary's child, the Saviour and Redeemer of the world". According to tradition, while in prayer, an angel appeared to the Theotokos telling her that she would leave this world. As a token and promise that her Son awaited, the angel gave her a branch with flowers from Eden. So on this day in honor of the greatest flower of womanhood, and the first to receive the promise of the awaiting kingdom, flowers are brought for blessing. We will celebrate this feast with Vespers on Wednesday, August 14th at 7:00 p.m. and Divine Liturgy on Thursday, August 15th at 9:00 a.m. followed by the blessing of flowers and seed.
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This Week's Schedule
Tuesday, April 23rd
Great Compline
at 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 24th
9th Hour & Typica
at 5:45 p.m.
Presanctified Liturgy
at 6:00 p.m.
Friday, April 26th
9th Hour & Typica
at 8:45 a.m.
Presanctified Liturgy
at 9:00 a.m.
†††
Small Compline & Lazarus Canon
at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 27th
Lazarus Saturday
Baptismal Liturgy & Potluck
at 9:00 a.m.
†††
Great Vespers with Litya & Anointing
at 5:00 p.m.
followed by
Confessions
Sunday, April 28th
Palm Sunday
Matins
at 8:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy & Palm Procession
at 9:00 a.m.
††† Holy Week Begins †††
Bridegroom Matins
at 6:00 p.m.
Important Dates
Sunday, May 5th
††† PASCHA †††