Archbishop of America: The Dormition Fast softens our hearts

As the faithful of the Orthodox Church enter the sacred period of the Dormition Fast, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America offers a spiritual reflection on the meaning of this season of prayer, fasting, and preparation for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos.

In his message, the Archbishop emphasizes the importance of the Paraklesis services, which invite the faithful to seek the intercessions of the Mother of God and to prepare their hearts for the celebration of her passage into eternal life.

“Today, we joyfully embark upon the Fast for the Dormition of the Theotokos. These days of the Paraklesis, when we supplicate her to intercede for our lives, our families, our communities, and our world, are a time of spiritual intensity.

Thus, we fast in order to soften our hearts and prepare ourselves for the ‘Little Pascha’ of her passing into eternal life. She leaves this world where her motherhood is limited, to reign from Heaven as the Mother of us all.

By her holy intercessions, may we find our hope restored, our faith strengthened, and our love deepened.”