Dormition of the Virgin Mary the Theotokos
Her Repose

Christ with Soul of maryIt was the Lord’s day of the fifteenth of August, the third hour (9:00am). There were a number of lamps burning in the room and the Apostles were praying offering praise to God. She lay on a beautifully adorned bed preparing herself and greeting each Apostle with a blessing.

Suddenly, the inexpressible Light of Divine Glory shone forth, before which the blazing candles paled in comparison. All who it saw took fright. Descending from Heaven was Christ, the King of Glory, surrounded by hosts of Angels and Archangels and other Heavenly Powers, together with the souls of the Forefathers and the Prophets, who had prophesied in ages past concerning the Most Holy Virgin Mary.

Death BedThe Theotokos cried with great joy at the sight of her son approaching. Seeing Her Son, the Mother of God exclaimed: "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God My Savior, for He hath regarded the low estate of His Handmaiden" (Luke 1:46-48) and, rising from Her bed to meet the Lord, She bowed down to Him, and the Lord bid Her enter into Life Eternal. Without any bodily suffering, as though in a happy sleep, the Most Holy Virgin Mary gave Her soul into the hands of Her Son and God. She took His hand and kissed it and he carried her soul into heaven.

The face of the Theotokos shone like the sun and had a sweet perfume that came from her body. The Apostles kissed her and were sanctified by their contact with it.