The Assumption of the Virgin Mary

The Assumption of the Virgin Mary is one of the biggest celebrations of Christianity and the Orthodox Christian religion and is celebrated since around the 6th century A.D. from all the Christians, on August 15 in most churches but also on different dates in some countries. In Greece, it is celebrated on August 15, which is an official public holiday. 

According to the Orthodox tradition, the Virgin Mary was informed of the imminent end of her earthly life three days before it would happen. Ready for a long time and elated about the news that would bring her “closer” to her son, Virgin Mary prayed and waited for the Apostles, the disciples of her son, to bid them farewell. According to the tradition, they all arrived miraculously wrapped in a cloud, from wherever they were preaching the Gospel, to be close to her. 

All except Thomas who “had” to arrive three days later to worship at her grave at Gethsemane, in order for it to be found empty when it was opened. For the celebration of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary that 'elevated' in the sky, but also for the Transfiguration of the Savior, believers fast for 14 days starting from August 1, and the Prayers to the Virgin Mary are devoutly chanted during vespers.