Brothers and sisters in the Lord,

Today, we begin the 15 day journey to the Dormition of the Most-Holy Theotokos – Το Πάσχα του Καλοκαιριού – the Summer Pascha. This feast which we will celebrate in 15 daysencapsulates the profound mysteries and paradoxes of our faith. We begin the celebration of the life, death, and beauty of the Holy Mother of God, who remains a beacon of divine grace and wonder. In her, we find a paradox so divine: in giving birth, she remained a virgin, and in dying, she was translated into life.

The first paradox of the Theotokos is the miracle of the virgin birth. Our Panagia, a pure and humble maiden, was chosen by God to bear His Son while remaining a virgin. This mystery defies human understanding and reveals the profound ways of God. The angel Gabriel announced to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God” (Luke 1:35). Mary’s willing acceptance of God’s will brought the Savior into the world, fulfilling the prophecy and bridging heaven and earth.

The second paradox is found in her Dormition, where her death became a passage to eternal life. While death is commonly seen as the end, in the case of Panagia, it is a translation into greater glory. The Church teaches that her body did not see corruption but was assumed into heaven, a sign of her unique role in the history of our salvation. As the Kontakion of the feast proclaims, “Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection.”

Because of these divine mysteries, the Theotokos is revered throughout all generations. Mary herself foretold this in her Magnificat: “For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:48). Her life of purity, her willing acceptance of God’s will, and her transition to eternal life make her a perpetual source of inspiration and veneration. She is the ultimate example of faith and obedience to God’s word.

As we reflect on these paradoxes over the hymns we will chant these next two weeks during the beautiful Paraklesis services, we are invited to deepen our understanding of God’s mysterious ways. Here are practical ways we can apply these lessons in our daily lives.

Like Panagia, who accepted the virgin birth, we too can trust in God’s plans, even when they seem impossible. This might mean stepping out in faith in our careers, relationships, or personal missions, believing that with God, all things are possible.

The life of the Theotokos was characterized by purity and obedience. In our lives, we can strive to live with integrity, making choices that align with our faith and values, and being obedient to God’s calling in our lives.

The Dormition of Panagia teaches us to view death not as an end, but as a transition to eternal life. We can live with an eternal perspective, focusing on what truly matters and investing in our spiritual growth and relationships with God and others.

As generations call Mary blessed, we too can honor her by participating in her feasts, prayers, and devotions dedicated to her. We can learn how to chant the Paraklesis as a family, take time from our normal busy routines to attend the services of these 15 days, and find opportunities for almsgiving. All of these can deepen our spiritual lives and bring us closer to understanding her unique role in God’s plan.

Let us rejoice in the miraculous and paradoxical life of the Most-Holy Theotokos. Through her, we see the fulfillment of God’s promises and the profound mysteries of our faith. May her example of purity, obedience, and enduring faith inspire us to live lives that honor our Lord, embracing the paradoxes that come with our journey of faith.

To all those who will celebrate their Feast Day on August 15, I wish you Χρόνια Πολλά. May the intercessions of the Theotokos be with you all always!

God bless you and give you good strength during this Dormition Fast!