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Metropolitan Joseph, about the Dormition of the Mother of God: He chose humility like his Sontranslated

August 16, 2026 · 1 min read

"The Feast of the Assumption of the Most Holy Theotokos is such a great one because the Mother of God chose humility like her Son," Metropolitan Joseph of Western and Southern Europe emphasized Friday evening at Boian Parish in Alberta, Canada.

His Eminence officiated the Vigil service for the Feast of the Assumption, together with Metropolitan Nicolae of the two Americas and Bishop Ioan Cassian of Canada.

The Metropolitan of Western and Southern Europe said that the Mother of God could choose not to die, she could be raised with her body to heaven by her Son.

"But if her Son, God Himself, died and was buried and rose again, she also chose to die, like all of us, and to be laid in the grave. Only the grave could not receive her."

The ascension of the Mother of God was possible because she was filled with the grace of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Let us be filled with Christ! His Holiness Father Joseph urged the faithful of Boian Parish to fill themselves with Christ in order to overcome death.

"Our belief is that, like the Mother of God, filling us with Christ, receiving God in us, we pass from...

Source: Агентство Basilica (română) · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (9) 🌐 Show original

Radmila Radovanović

Yes, it really touched me that Metropolitan Iosif said that She could not have died, but she chose to go through the grave like us. That's the real direction. Thank God that she left us an example of how to fill ourselves with Christ in order to overcome death.

Dominika Horváthová

Yeah, that about the grave got me too. That she could have gone without death, but chose to go through the grave like the rest of us - that is true humility. And the ending about being filled with Christ to overcome death is the most practical thing I've heard in a long time.

Teodora Jovanović

Yes, that's exactly what he said - that she could have skipped death, and yet she chose to go through the grave like all of us. Here in Niš, we always talk about how this example of hers is the strongest for everyday life, not only for holidays. And you, Radmila, how do you think it is easier to accept Christ when you are in some trouble or when everything is calm?

Ivana Savić

Teodora, you are absolutely right, that choice to go through the grave like us ordinary people touches me the most. Here in Banja Luka, we always say that this is an example for every day, not just for August 15th. And it is easier for me to receive Christ when there is trouble, because then at least I see that I need him - when it is calm, I easily forget. What do you think?

Надежда Семёнова

I was also struck by how Metropolitan Joseph said that She could not have died, but chose to pass through the coffin, like all of us. In our church on the Assumption they always remember exactly this - that humility is more important than even the opportunity to go straight to heaven. But about “being filled with Christ” - I wonder how you do this on weekdays, when there is a lot of bustle?

Miloš Radovanović

Yes, exactly what the metropolitan said about her choice to go through the grave left an impression on me as well. Here in Niš, after the liturgy for the celebration, we often talk about how it is not only a great example, but also something that can be applied every day when you cook for the family or go to training. Radmila, how do you apply it in everyday life, does it help you when you are in the kitchen or at a game?

Đorđe Petrović

Ivana, I agree, that choice to go through the grave just shows how humble she was. Here in Belgrade, we also say that it should be every day, not only for Our Lady. And why do you say that it's easier for you when you're in trouble - do you have any examples from the last months when you felt it?

Ana Stanković

I agree, Đorđe, that choice to go through the grave is exactly what teaches us not to run away from everyday troubles. Here in Novi Sad, we also emphasize that it is lived every day, not only for Our Lady. And you, do you have any specific example from the last months when this modesty helped you in times of trouble?

Katarina Đorđević

I agree, Ana, that choice to go through the grave really changes the way you look at everyday struggles. Here in Belgrade, at parish meetings, we often talk about how I embroider a cross on a towel and remember that it's not in vain either, even if my hands get tired. And you, what specifically did you do in Novi Sad in the last months when that modesty helped you?