Thursday, 15 August 2024

Dormition of the Most-Holy Theotokos

Thursday of the 8th week after Pentecost

102 days after Pascha · Tone 6 · Major feast Theotokos · No Fast (Fish, Wine and Oil are Allowed)

Saints commemorated

★ The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary

The Feast of the Dormition, or Falling Asleep, of the Theotokos commemorates the death, resurrection and glorification of Christ's Mother. It proclaims that Mary has been "assumed" by God into the heavenly Kingdom of Christ in the fullness of her spiritual and bodily existence. This is one of the Twelve Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church and is preceded by a strict two-week fast from 1 to 14 August.

According to the holy tradition received from apostolic times, the Most Holy Theotokos remained in Jerusalem after the Ascension of her Son and Lord. She prayed at the holy places connected with the earthly life of Christ, particularly Golgotha and the Holy Sepulchre. The Apostles, who had dispersed throughout the world to preach the Gospel, were miraculously gathered together upon clouds and brought to Jerusalem to be present at her repose. Only the Apostle Thomas was not present at her burial.

The Theotokos was forewarned of her impending death by the Archangel Gabriel, who appeared to her and gave her a branch from a paradisical tree. After taking leave of the Apostles and the faithful gathered around her, she gave up her spirit to her Son and God. The holy Apostles bore her most pure body to the Garden of Gethsemane and laid it in a tomb. After three days, when Saint Thomas arrived and asked that the tomb be opened so that he might venerate her, the Apostles found the tomb empty: the Lord had translated her body to heaven, where she was reunited with her soul and glorified at the right hand of her Son.

The feast is celebrated with particular solemnity at the Tomb of the Theotokos in Gethsemane, where her shroud is preserved. In some local traditions flowers and fragrant herbs are blessed at the Liturgy. The feast has eight days of afterfeast, concluding with the leave-taking on 23 August.

Holy Martyr Tarcisius of Rome

The Holy Martyr Tarcisius was a young Christian of the city of Rome who suffered for Christ in the third century during the persecutions of the early Church. The little that is known of him comes chiefly from a metrical inscription composed by Pope Damasus I in the latter half of the fourth century, which compares him to the Protomartyr Stephen. According to the ancient account, Tarcisius was entrusted with the holy task of carrying the most pure Body of Christ, the Eucharistic Gifts, to imprisoned Christians awaiting martyrdom. As he made his way through the streets of Rome, a band of pagans accosted him and demanded that he show them what he was carrying. Rather than allow the Holy Mysteries to be profaned by impious hands, the young Tarcisius refused to surrender his sacred burden. The mob set upon him, beating, stoning and trampling him. Even as his strength failed him he continued to clutch the linen wrapping containing the Holy Gifts to his breast. When fellow Christians arrived they found him already dead, but the Body of the Lord remained safe and undefiled in his arms. He was buried in the Catacombs of Saint Callistus along the Appian Way. Saint Tarcisius is venerated as a martyr of the Eucharist and as a model of fearless devotion to the Holy Mysteries. He is commemorated on 15 August.

Venerable Macarius the Roman of Novgorod

Saint Macarius the Roman was born at the end of the fifteenth century into a wealthy family of Rome. His parents raised him in piety and gave him an excellent education. From his youth he was drawn to the spiritual life and, learning of the strictness of monasticism in the Russian lands, he resolved to leave his homeland and seek the true faith in Orthodoxy. Saint Macarius left Rome secretly, set out for Russia without money and wearing an old garment, and after many sufferings on his journey arrived in Novgorod. Rejoicing at the sight of so many churches and monasteries, he made his way to the banks of the River Svir, where Saint Alexander of Svir had founded the monastery of the Holy Trinity. Saint Alexander received Macarius into the Orthodox Church and tonsured him as a monk. After some time in cenobitic life Saint Macarius withdrew to a remote island on the River Lezna, about forty-five miles from Novgorod, where he engaged in ascetical struggle, fasting, vigil and unceasing prayer. The fragrance of his sanctity drew disciples around him, and a small monastic brotherhood gathered. He was ordained to the holy priesthood by Bishop Macarius of Novgorod, who later became Metropolitan of All Russia, and was appointed igumen of the new monastery. Saint Macarius reposed on 15 August 1550. His relics were a source of healing for those who came to venerate them, and he is commemorated on the date of his repose, which coincides with the great Feast of the Dormition. He is also remembered on 19 January.

Daily readings

Vespers

Genesis — Genesis 28.10-17

¹⁰And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran.

¹⁰And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran. ¹¹And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took one of the stones of the place, and put it under his head, and lay down in that place to sleep. ¹¹And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. ¹²And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. ¹²And he dreamed; and behold, a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold, the angels of God ascending and descending on it. ¹³And, behold, Jehovah stood above it, and said, I am Jehovah, the God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; ¹³And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; ¹⁴And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. ¹⁴and thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. ¹⁵And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. ¹⁵And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee whithersoever thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

¹⁶And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. ¹⁶And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely Jehovah is in this place; and I knew it not. ¹⁷And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. ¹⁷And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.

Vespers

Ezekiel — Ezekiel 43.27-44.4

²⁷And when these days are expired, it shall be, that upon the eighth day, and so forward, the priests shall make your burnt offerings upon the altar, and your peace offerings; and I will accept you, saith the Lord GOD. ²⁷And when they have accomplished the days, it shall be that upon the eighth day, and forward, the priests shall make your burnt-offerings upon the altar, and your peace-offerings; and I will accept you, saith the Lord Jehovah.

¹Then he brought me back the way of the gate of the outward sanctuary which looketh toward the east; and it was shut.

¹Then he brought me back by the way of the outer gate of the sanctuary, which looketh toward the east; and it was shut. ²Then said the LORD unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut. ²And Jehovah said unto me, This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, neither shall any man enter in by it; for Jehovah, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it; therefore it shall be shut. ³As for the prince, he shall sit therein as prince to eat bread before Jehovah; he shall enter by the way of the porch of the gate, and shall go out by the way of the same. ³It is for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.

⁴Then brought he me the way of the north gate before the house: and I looked, and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD: and I fell upon my face.

⁴Then he brought me by the way of the north gate before the house; and I looked, and, behold, the glory of Jehovah filled the house of Jehovah: and I fell upon my face.

Vespers

Proverbs — Proverbs 9.1-11

¹Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: ¹Wisdom hath builded her house; She hath hewn out her seven pillars: ²She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. ²She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; She hath also furnished her table: ³She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, ³She hath sent forth her maidens; She crieth upon the highest places of the city: ⁴Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, ⁴Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: As for him that is void of understanding, she saith to him, ⁵Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. ⁵Come, eat ye of my bread, And drink of the wine which I have mingled. ⁶Leave off, ye simple ones, and live; And walk in the way of understanding. ⁶Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. ⁷He that correcteth a scoffer getteth to himself reviling; And he that reproveth a wicked man getteth himself a blot. ⁷He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. ⁸Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. ⁸Reprove not a scoffer, lest he hate thee: Reprove a wise man, and he will love thee. ⁹Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. ⁹Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. ¹⁰The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. ¹⁰The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. ¹¹For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. ¹¹For by me thy days shall be multiplied, And the years of thy life shall be increased.

Matins Gospel

Luke — Luke 1.39-49, 56

³⁹And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;

³⁹And Mary arose in these days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah; ⁴⁰And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. ⁴⁰and entered into the house of Zacharias and saluted Elisabeth. ⁴¹And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: ⁴¹And it came to pass, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit; ⁴²And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. ⁴²and she lifted up her voice with a loud cry, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. ⁴³And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴³And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come unto me? ⁴⁴For behold, when the voice of thy salutation came into mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. ⁴⁴For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. ⁴⁵And blessed is she that believed; for there shall be a fulfilment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord. ⁴⁵And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. ⁴⁶And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, ⁴⁶And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, ⁴⁷And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. ⁴⁷And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. ⁴⁸For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. ⁴⁸For he hath looked upon the low estate of his handmaid: For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. ⁴⁹For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. ⁴⁹For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; And holy is his name. ⁵⁶And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

⁵⁶And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned unto her house.

Epistle

— Dormition weekly cycle

Philippians — Philippians 2.5-11

⁵Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: ⁵Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: ⁶Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: ⁶who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; ⁷But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: ⁸and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. ⁸And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. ⁹Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; ⁹Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: ¹⁰that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, ¹⁰That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; ¹¹and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ¹¹And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Epistle

1 Corinthians — 1 Corinthians 10.28-11.7

²⁸But if any man say unto you, This hath been offered in sacrifice, eat not, for his sake that showed it, and for conscience’ sake: ²⁸But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof: ²⁹conscience, I say, not thine own, but the other’s; for why is my liberty judged by another conscience? ²⁹Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? ³⁰If I partake with thankfulness, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? ³⁰For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? ³¹Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. ³¹Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. ³²Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: ³²Give no occasion of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God: ³³Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. ³³even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved.

¹Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.

¹Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

²Now I praise you that ye remember me in all things, and hold fast the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.

²Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. ³But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. ³But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. ⁴Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. ⁴Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoreth his head. ⁵But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. ⁵But every woman praying or prophesying with her head unveiled dishonoreth her head; for it is one and the same thing as if she were shaven. ⁶For if a woman is not veiled, let her also be shorn: but if it is a shame to a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be veiled. ⁶For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. ⁷For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. ⁷For a man indeed ought not to have his head veiled, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

Gospel

— Dormition weekly cycle

Luke — Luke 10.38-42, 11.27-28

³⁸Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

³⁸Now as they went on their way, he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. ³⁹And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. ³⁹And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet, and heard his word. ⁴⁰But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. ⁴⁰But Martha was cumbered about much serving; and she came up to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister did leave me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. ⁴¹But the Lord answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things: ⁴¹And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: ⁴²But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. ⁴²but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

²⁷And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.

²⁷And it came to pass, as he said these things, a certain woman out of the multitude lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the breasts which thou didst suck. ²⁸But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. ²⁸But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Gospel

Matthew — Matthew 16.24-28

²⁴Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. ²⁴Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. ²⁵For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. ²⁵For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it. ²⁶For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? ²⁶For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? or what shall a man give in exchange for his life? ²⁷For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then shall he render unto every man according to his deeds. ²⁷For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. ²⁸Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom. ²⁸Verily I say unto you, There are some of them that stand here, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.