August 13

Dormition of the Virgin

Apparition of Our Lady of Fatima

Byzantine painting of the Dormition

The "Dormition of the Virgin Mary" is her "falling asleep" at the end of her time on earth. It is not simply called the "Death of the Virgin" because of a tradition that soon after her soul left her body the two were reunited and taken up to Heaven in what is called the "Assumption." The feast of the Assumption is August 15.

Mary’s Heavenly Abode

The Mother, whose virginity was preserved without a stain during childbirth, must accordingly be entitled to having her body preserved without corruption, even after death. The Mother, who had carried the Creator like a child in her womb, must accordingly remain in holy tabernacles. The Spouse to whom the Father united Himself must accordingly be given a Heavenly abode. The Mother, who stood next to her Son on the Cross, must accordingly escape the sword’s pain by giving birth to Him. She had carried Him in her womb and would be with Him again next to the Father. The Mother of God must accordingly receive all that belongs to her Son and be honored by all creatures as the Mother of God and His servant. --- Saint John Damascene (d. circa 787) Homily on The Dormition