August 15, referred to as Dekapentavyoustos in Greek, is amongst the most important feast days in the Greek Orthodox Church. The date commemorates the dormition and assumption of the Most Holy Lady the Theotokos to heaven. In Greek it is also called Koimisis Tis Theotokou, or “the falling asleep of the Virgin Mary.” 

Beginning on August 1st, members of the Greek Orthodox Church partake in preparations for the upcoming feast. In the Greek Orthodox Church this feast is the second largest, behind Easter. Preparations include fasting from all meat and dairy, eggs, wine, oil, and fish until the 14th of August. 

On the evening of August 14 a Vespers service is held in the church. There are also services on each weeknight leading up to the feast, these are the Great Paraklesis or the Small Paraklesis services. 

Divine Liturgy service is held on the day of August 15, with the readings from Philippians and Luke. On each feast day for the Virgin Mary the readings include Jesus saying, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it;” emphasizing the holy status of the Theotokos.

According to tradition, the Virgin Mary was with the Apostles for the Pentecost, which marks 50 days since Easter and the apotheosis of the Holy Trinity. It was on this night that she fell asleep for the last time, surrounded by the disciples of Christ. Only Apostle Thomas was missing from her side. 

When he arrived three days later he went to visit the Theotokos’ tomb to pay his respects to the Mother of God. Nearby the Garden of Gethsemane Apostle Thomas found her tomb, but when he entered it was empty. It wasn’t until an angel appeared later that the Apostles learnt what had happened. That the Assumption of the Panagia had occurred and that her body had been welcomed into heaven. 

In Greece, Dekapentavyoustos – or Panagia – is both a Greek public and religious holiday, with many Greeks celebrating their name-days on the date. Names celebrated on August 15th include Maria, Marieta, Mariniki, Marios, Panagiotis, and Panagiota. Celebrations take place across the country and throughout the wider diaspora with many spending the day amongst family and friends. 

Kalo Dekapentavyoustos and Xronia Polla!