Dearly Beloved in the Lord,

These words remind us that at the end of her life, the Virgin Mary was translated to heaven and entered the kingdom of her Son. On this Feast, all Christians celebrate the final steps of the life-long journey of the Virgin Mary to Christ. The Feast of the Dormition not only celebrates her falling asleep, her death, and translation to heaven, the Feast celebrates every aspect of her life.

Upon closer reflection, we see that every important moment of the Theotokos’ life took place within the context of a journey and each step was connected to Christ. As a young girl, she journeyed into the Temple where she would spend her formative years. As a young woman, she journeyed from Jerusalem to Nazareth as the betrothed of Joseph. She journeyed to Bethlehem and there she gave birth to Christ. She journeyed to Egypt when Herod threatened Christ’s life, and then returned to Nazareth where Christ spent His early years. She journeyed to the wedding in Cana, where she prompted His first miracle. She journeyed to Golgotha. She journeyed to the empty tomb. She journeyed to the mountain from where He ascended. And now, in her falling asleep, she journeys to her Son who receives her and enthrones her in heaven.

Even as Christ was already with the Virgin Mary, every journey in her life was also a journey to Christ. As followers of Christ, all of us are also on a journey with and to Christ. He is already part of us; but each step in our lives is meant to connect us to Him more deeply and personally. Our journey takes place inwardly and outwardly and the period of the Dormition fast offers us the opportunities for both.

During this two-week period of preparation, make an inward journey to Christ. Observe the fast itself. Attend, pray and participate in the Paraklesis Services at your parish. Study your faith more intensely. For just two weeks. But then, make an outward journey. See Christ in those around you and serve them as they were served by Christ. Every day of these two weeks, make a philanthropic or charitable act. Be hospitable, gentle, and cheerful to all you encounter. The Church continually presents Christ to us and presents us with a way, a journey, to follow. The journey leads to the gates of Paradise, the Kingdom of her Son, just as it did for her, the Mother of God.

Wishing to all who celebrate their Feast, a most blessed Feast Day and many years, I remain,

With Love in Christ,
+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco