Definition

Proper noun: - A major religious feast in the Eastern Orthodox Church: This term specifically refers to the annual commemoration of the Virgin Mary's death and her subsequent bodily assumption into heaven. It celebrates the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was "fallen asleep" (dormition) and then received bodily into heavenly glory.

Usage

• The term is used as the official name for this specific feast day within Eastern Orthodox Christian liturgy and calendar.
• It is always capitalized as it is the title of a specific event.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "The Dormition": Often used as a shorter form to refer to the same event or its iconographic depiction.
  • The icon of the Dormition shows the apostles gathered around the bed of the Theotokos.
• "Dormition Fast": Refers to the two-week period of fasting and spiritual preparation leading up to the feast.
  • The Dormition Fast begins on August 1st.

Variants and Related Words

• Dormition (noun): The event of the Virgin Mary's "falling asleep" (death) and assumption.
• Theotokos (noun): A title for Mary meaning "God-bearer," commonly used in Eastern Christianity in connection with this feast.
• Assumption (noun): The corresponding feast in the Roman Catholic Church, also celebrated on August 15th. While related, "Assumption" and "Feast of Dormition" are terms specific to their respective Christian traditions.

Synonyms

• The Falling Asleep of the Theotokos: A direct translation and synonymous title for the feast.
• The Repose of the Mother of God: Another traditional title for the same event.

Related Idioms or Phrases

• "To keep the Feast": To observe and celebrate the feast day with appropriate religious services and practices.
  • The faithful community gathered to keep the Feast of the Dormition.

Noun

1. celebration in the Eastern Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary's being taken up into heaven when her earthly life ended; corresponds to the Assumption in the Roman Catholic Church and is also celebrated on August 15th