Русская Версия

August 30, 2010
Wayne, WV: Bishop George led the divine services in Holy Cross Monastery on the feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos

"In the Mother of God, as it is sung in another hymn, the laws of nature are defeated. In Her, virginity led to birth, and death to life. After giving birth, she remained a virgin, and after her death, remained alive. Thereby this feast is the fulfillment of the Paschal feast, when we 'celebrate the annihilation of death and the beginning of eternal life.' In yet another holy hymn, the Church calls out on this day, 'O come, let us learn the ways of the Lord and be saved with an eternal salvation.' Yes, truly, here we enter into contact with a higher world and a higher life, separated from our minds and feelings by an impenetrable wall, but attainable through the higher faculties of our spirit - faith and love. There, entirely different laws of creation are at work, incomprehensible to our minds; the mystery of this life is opened only through our communication with God through the Church."

Archbishop Nikon (Rklitsky)
Sermon on Dormition, Jordanville, 1951

On the feast of the Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, His Grace George, Bishop of Mayfield, led the festal divine services in Holy Cross Monastery, co-served by monastery clergy. On the eve of the feast, His Grace led the All-Night Vigil with the Jerusalem Burial Rite of the Mother of God. During the Great Doxology, the monks performed a procession with the shroud. Photos of the feast in Holy Cross Monastery are available to our readers here.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese