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Feast Day/Commemorated: August 15

The Dormition of the Theotokos: A Heavenly Transition

The Feast of the Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, observed annually on August 15, commemorates the repose (or "falling-asleep"—kimisis in Greek) of the Mother of Jesus Christ, our Lord. This significant feast also celebrates the translation or assumption of the Theotokos' body into heaven.

The Narrative: From Earthly Care to Heavenly Glory

The Holy Scriptures offer glimpses into the Virgin Mary's life after Christ's crucifixion. As our Lord was dying on the Cross, He entrusted His mother to His disciple John, saying to Mary, "Woman, behold your son!" and to John, "Behold your mother!" (John 19:25-27). From that pivotal moment, the Apostle John took her into his own home and cared for her.

Beyond this biblical account, the Church's tradition, supported by Acts 1:14 which confirms Mary's presence with the Apostles on Pentecost, holds that she continued her ministry of word and deed while residing with John in Jerusalem.

When the time of her death approached, the disciples of our Lord, who were then preaching throughout the world, miraculously returned to Jerusalem to be with the Theotokos. All of them, including the Apostle Paul, gathered at her bedside, with the sole exception of Apostle Thomas. At the very moment of her passing, Jesus Christ Himself descended to carry her soul into heaven.

Following her repose, the body of the Theotokos was solemnly processed and laid in a tomb near the Garden of Gethsemane. Three days later, when Apostle Thomas arrived and wished to see her body, the tomb was miraculously found to be empty. This bodily assumption of the Theotokos was affirmed by an angelic message and by her subsequent appearance to the Apostles.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted Orthodox Christian icon reproductions made in the United States with prayer and a desire for excellence. Each of our icons are printed on museum-quality matte canvas, providing a rich print with saturated coloration that lends to a beautiful handwritten-icon appearance.

All Theophany Works Icons are mounted on beveled wooden boards and finished with a high-quality UV protection sealant. This offers a subtle authentic-feeling texture while also enhancing durability, allowing for cleaning with a damp cloth. Additionally, each icon is given a maple-shelled keyhole slot on its back for easy and balanced hanging.

Our beautiful icon reproductions are lovingly made in our Lancaster, Pennsylvania studio. We pray they are a blessing to all who receive them, and we believe they will be a beloved addition to any home or parish—each at a fraction of the cost of a hand-painted icon.

***Our Beloved Brothers & Sisters in Christ: Please allow 3 weeks for production as each icon is made to order. If an icon is needed sooner for a baptism, chrismation, wedding, or name day, please contact us—we will always do our very best to accommodate your request.

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