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Dormition posttranslated

August 13, 2026 · 1 min read

The Assumption Fast was established before the great holidays of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Dormition of the Mother of God and lasts two weeks - from August 14 to 27.

In its current form it was installed during the Council of Constantinople (1166). Until this point, the summer fast was much longer and was of a compensatory nature (those who, for some reason, were unable to observe Lent, fasted during this period).

However, at the turn of the 10th–11th centuries, due to human weakness, the whole month of July was removed from this long fast, and thus two summer fasts appeared: Petrov and Uspensky.

Saint Simeon of Thessalonica, who lived at the turn of the 14th–15th centuries, wrote that the Assumption Fast with all its spiritual meaning and content is dedicated to the memory of the Mother of God. Knowing exactly the hour of Her death, She spent the remaining days in strict fasting and prayer. Being absolutely pure and sinless, She did not need purification, but labored for all humanity. That is why we fast these days: on the one hand, imitating the Mother of God, and on the other, praising Her endless Love for people.

Since the Mother of God fasted for the sake of people before the Dormition, so did Christians during the Dormition Fast...

Source: Site: Полоцкая епархия  ·  Read the full story →
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