Orthodox Assumption Day
August 28
Assumption Day is a major feast in Christianity that commemorates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven. This day marks the belief that the Mother of Jesus, at the end of her earthly life, was taken body and soul into Heaven. It is observed by Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Anglicans, and other Christian traditions, though the theological emphasis varies.
Table of Contents
- When is Assumption Day?
- The History of Assumption Day?
- What Do People Do on This Day?
- More about Virgin Mary
When is Assumption Day?
In Orthodox churches, Assumption Day is known as the Dormition of the Theotokos (the falling asleep of Mary), and it is celebrated on August 15 on the Julian calendar, which corresponds to August 28 on the Gregorian calendar in some Orthodox traditions.
The following is the list of Assumption Day from 2020 to 2049.
Holiday | Date | Weekday |
---|---|---|
Assumption Day | August 28, 2020 | Friday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2021 | Saturday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2022 | Sunday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2023 | Monday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2024 | Wednesday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2025 | Thursday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2026 | Friday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2027 | Saturday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2028 | Monday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2029 | Tuesday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2030 | Wednesday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2031 | Thursday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2032 | Saturday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2033 | Sunday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2034 | Monday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2035 | Tuesday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2036 | Thursday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2037 | Friday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2038 | Saturday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2039 | Sunday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2040 | Tuesday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2041 | Wednesday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2042 | Thursday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2043 | Friday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2044 | Sunday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2045 | Monday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2046 | Tuesday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2047 | Wednesday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2048 | Friday |
Assumption Day | August 28, 2049 | Saturday |
The History of Assumption Day
Assumption Day has deep roots in Christian tradition and has evolved over centuries, becoming a major celebration in both the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Assumption Day is known as the Dormition of the Theotokos, commemorating the "falling asleep" of the Virgin Mary and her subsequent bodily assumption into Heaven.
The earliest references to Mary's assumption are found in apocryphal writings, particularly the Transitus Mariae (Assumption of Mary), which emerged between the 3rd and 5th centuries. These accounts describe Mary's peaceful death, her burial and her bodily assumption into Heaven.
The feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (meaning "God-bearer") originated in the Eastern Christian Church, where it celebrated Mary's "falling asleep" and her glorification in Heaven. By the 6th century, the feast was widely observed in the Byzantine Empire, with Emperor Maurice (582–602 AD) establishing August 15 as the official date.
The feast was soon recognized throughout the Eastern Christian world. By the 7th century, the feast was celebrated widely in Constantinople and other major cities of the Byzantine Empire, and churches dedicated to the Dormition became pilgrimage sites.
The feast was adopted by Slavic Orthodox Churches (Russia, Serbia, Bulgaria) as part of their liturgical calendar, maintaining the same theological emphasis. Today, the Dormition is one of the most important feasts in the Orthodox Church, celebrated with great solemnity and devotion.
What Do People Do on This Day?
On Orthodox Assumption Day, people engage in religious services, devotional acts and community celebrations to honor the Virgin Mary's "falling asleep" and her bodily assumption into Heaven.
The central activity of Assumption Day is attending church services, and the day begins with the Divine Liturgy, one of the most important services in the Orthodox liturgical year.
In some Orthodox traditions, a symbolic burial procession is held, featuring an icon or epitaphios (cloth) depicting the Virgin Mary. The ceremony mirrors Christ's burial on Holy Friday, emphasizing her union with her Son.
Many observe the Dormition Fast from August 1 to 14, a period of abstinence from meat, dairy, and other rich foods, focusing on repentance and spiritual renewal. On the feast day itself, prayer and thanksgiving for Mary's intercession are central.
People light candles and pray before icons of the Virgin Mary, particularly those depicting her Dormition, and the icon veneration reflects the Orthodox emphasis on Mary as the Mother of God and her continuing role in the Church.
In some regions, herbs and flowers are brought to church for blessing, symbolizing Mary as the "Flower of Heaven" and her role in sanctifying creation. After liturgical services, families and communities gather for festive meals, often featuring traditional foods prepared in honor of the occasion. In rural areas, the day often coincides with harvest celebrations, blending religious and agricultural traditions.
Assumption Day is a public holiday in several countries, where people often spend the day with family, attending church, and participating in community events.
Inspired by Mary's humility and devotion, some people use the day to perform acts of charity, such as helping the poor or volunteering in their communities.
More about Virgin Mary
The Virgin Mary, also known as Mary, Mother of Jesus, holds a central and revered position in Christianity. Her life and role in salvation history are celebrated in Scripture, tradition and liturgical practices across various Christian denominations.
Mary was born likely in Nazareth or nearby in Galilee to parents Saint Anne and Saint Joachim. According to apocryphal writings, Mary was consecrated to God from an early age.
Betrothed to Joseph, a carpenter and devout man, she remained a virgin, fulfilling prophecies about the Messiah's birth.
She was chosen by God to be the Mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The angel Gabriel announced she would conceive Jesus by the Holy Spirit. When Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, she recognized her as the Mother of the Lord.
Mary gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, then Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt to protect Jesus from King Herod.
Mary is present at Jesus' crucifixion witnessing her Son's suffering. Jesus gave her into the care of the Apostle John, symbolizing her as the spiritual mother of all believers.