The Dormition
At the beginning of the sixth century, a magnificent basilica was erected over the tomb of Mary in Gethsemane. With this, the feast of Mary celebrated on August 15 took on a new meaning and became the solemn celebration of Mary’s death and assumption into heaven under the name of the Feast of the Dormition which emphasized the falling asleep over the death of the Mother of God. Play the audio below to learn more about this wonderful feast of the Theotokos.