Reflection on Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos
Reflection on Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos

Why the Holy Church gives such unprecedented attention to the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary? But it is not only Dormition church always glorifying her in a way as no other righteous person or saint. Without any doubt it is because she is Mother of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. This is why throughout the life of the Theotokos we are witnessing constant heavenly presence; her earthly life was directed to heavenly life. As a child she went to the temple, heaven on earth, she also was visited by Angel. Her knowledge of God and His Kingdom made it possible for her to accept words of an Angel and act according to God’s will. And as she was carrying in her womb Son of God she herself became part of Heaven and Heavenly Kingdom. And from that time on all her thoughts and all her existence was surrounded only by Heavenly presence. She knew her Son only as she could, and no one else. It was given to her to be Living Altar of the Son of God.

She was chosen one and this is why as she visited Elizabeth and greeted her in regular manner, Elizabeth rejoiced and the child inside of her felt the same joy. And Elizabeth greeted Mary glorifying Her as she recognize in Mary Mother of God. “And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?” (Luk. 1, 43)

As a chosen Mother she knew Divine nature of Christ she was first one to ask him about open miracle in Cana of Galilee, she knew and understood much more before the Apostles did and was with him to the last minute of his suffering on the cross, his death and burial. On that way to life eternal she showed like no other, extreme bravery and unconditional love. Same love after Resurrection and Christ Glorious Accession to Heaven would not let her part with Him. All her thoughts and her heart remain with Him constantly. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”( Mt. 6,21 ) Her life was dedicated only to Her Son and God.

Still someone may continue questioning why her? Was it and is it still possible for others to achieve same Grace? What virtues one must have to be in the same position in the same presence of God? But in reality it never was a secret, Mary herself shared it with us so we could be alike. “For he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed” ( Luk . 1, 48). She didn’t elevate herself but only God, she was inspired by His Holy Spirit and one of the virtues was reveled in her above all. The soul of Mother of God was surrounded by prayer, fasting, chastity, faith, unconditional love to God but most of all she was humble in her serving to God. She didn’t ask to be chosen one as Mother of God, rather she was praying and asking for the blessing and opportunity to meet her and serve to one that was going to be chosen. Just to be in her presence. And in reality she became the one, not as the servant but as a Holy Vessel chosen by God to hold the Salvation of many.

Lets us glorify The Most Holy Virgin Mary all the time, keeping Her as example of virtue and true way to Heavenly Kingdom.

Fr. Dmitri Belenki
Parish of Dormition of Ever-Virgin Mary
Lorain OH

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