The Theotokos, the Virgin Mary, was “blessed amongst women,” and she was chosen “to bear the Savior of our souls.” Orthodox Christians consider her to be the Queen of all the saints and angels.
Knowing that she is eternally present at the throne of God interceding for mankind, we pray for her love, guidance, and protection. Every year the Orthodox Church sets aside the first fourteen days of August in honor of the Virgin Mary. This fast period is climaxed on August 15th, when the Church gathers to celebrate the Great Feast of the Dormition (Falling-Asleep) of the Theotokos.
More resources for the Dormition Fast:
- The Fast of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos
- Why a Fast for Dormition?
- Tender Love and the Dormition: a podcast from Frederica Mathewes-Green
- Spiritual Benefits of the Dormition
- All about Feasts and Fasts, from Discover Orthodox Christianity