The rite of burial of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Transfiguration Cathedral of Balashikha 08/30/2026translated

August 30, 2026 · 1 min read

On the evening of August 30, Bishop Nikolai of Balashikha and Orekhovo-Zuevsky led the matins with the Rite of Burial of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Transfiguration Cathedral of Balashikha. His Eminence was concelebrated by the clergy of the parish. At the end of the service, Bishop Nicholas addressed the pilgrims with an archpastoral word.

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Timothy King

Thanks for posting this. I always find the Burial Service for the Theotokos especially moving, especially when it's done with the full catafalque and flowers like they clearly had in Balashikha. Bishop Nikolai's homily at the end must have been worth staying for—did anyone catch what he spoke about?

Alexander Turner

Yeah, the full catafalque with all the flowers really sets it apart. I remember our parish tried something similar a couple years back and it made the whole service feel heavier, in a good way. Did Bishop Nikolai mention anything about the Dormition in his homily that stuck with you, Timothy?

Богдана Петрова

У нас в Бургас миналата година също сложиха голям катафалк с цветя и службата стана много по-тежка, точно както пишете. Интересно ми е дали владика Николай е говорил за това как Богородица „заспа“ като обикновен човек, но без тление – това винаги ме кара да се замисля. Някой да е чул запис на словото?

George Collins

I was there that evening and the catafalque really was beautiful, covered in white lilies and roses. Bishop Nikolai spoke about how the Mother of God’s dormition shows us that death isn’t the end but a doorway, and he tied it to our own hope in the resurrection. Did you ever serve this feast at your own parish?

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