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The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos
The narrative, which is beautifully depicted on the holy icon of the Dormition (falling asleep) of the Virgin Mary, tells us that the Theotokos was visited by the Archangel Gabriel who foretold her approaching death. Mary returned to her home and prepared for this event, praying that the Apostles be notified. Saint John is said to have been the first to arrive, and then the others followed.
Finally, the Lord Himself appears in His Divine Glory escorted by a number of angels and He takes her blessed soul into His arms in order to transport it to heaven.
Before she departs, she greets the Holy Apostles and then her funeral follows. The holy body of the Theotokos is then taken to a tomb in Gethsemane where it is buried.
Orthodox and non-Orthodox alike venerate and feel a deep sense of pious respect for Mary.
The Dormition feast day is celebrated every year on August 15th.