The Dormition of the Theotokos is celebrated on August 15. The word Dormition means falling asleep, a Christian way of speaking about death in the light of Christ's Resurrection. The feast honors the Mother of God while pointing beyond her to the victory of her Son.
Orthodox Christians do not honor the Theotokos apart from Christ. Her life is understood through the Incarnation: the Son of God truly became man, and Mary is truly His Mother. The Dormition therefore belongs to the Church's confession that salvation touches the whole human person, body and soul.
The Dormition Fast
The feast is normally preceded by the Dormition Fast from August 1 through August 14. It is short but serious. It places prayer, fasting, and repentance before the celebration, not because the feast is gloomy, but because the Church teaches preparation before joy.
| Season | Usual date | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dormition Fast | August 1-14 | Preparation through fasting, prayer, and watchfulness. |
| Transfiguration | August 6 | A Great Feast that falls within the Dormition Fast. |
| Dormition | August 15 | The falling asleep of the Theotokos and hope of resurrection. |
What Orthodox Christians celebrate
The Dormition is not an abstract doctrine about Mary isolated from the Church. It is a feast of communion, hope, and the final destiny of those who belong to Christ. The Mother of God is honored as the first and greatest example of a human life wholly given to God.
Because the feast is surrounded by local customs, processions, flowers, lamentation services, and parish traditions in some places, visitors should follow the local parish rather than assuming every Orthodox community keeps the same customs in the same way.
How to approach the feast
Read the appointed hymns and Scripture. Attend Vespers or Divine Liturgy if possible. Notice how the feast speaks of death without despair. The Christian does not deny grief, but learns to grieve inside the Resurrection.
The Dormition Fast and feast customs can differ by jurisdiction and parish. Ask your priest about fasting practice, especially around health, pregnancy, age, work, or family obligations.
Source note
This guide follows Orthodox liturgical teaching and the Orthodox Church in America's feast material. It avoids presenting local Dormition customs as universal obligations.
Questions people ask
When is the Orthodox Dormition?
It is kept on August 15 according to the parish calendar. Old Calendar communities often observe it on August 28 civil calendar.
What does Dormition mean?
Dormition means falling asleep. Christians use this language because death is seen in the light of Christ's Resurrection.
Is the Dormition Fast the same everywhere?
The dates are widely recognized, but exact food rules and local customs should be followed with parish guidance.
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