Dormition of the Theotokos Wishes

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The Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos is one of the twelve great feasts, known in Ukrainian folk tradition as the First Feast of the Most Pure. It commemorates the end of the earthly life of the Mother of God. Under the Revised Julian calendar of the OCU and UGCC, the Dormition is celebrated on August 15 (Old Style communities — August 28). It ends the Dormition Fast and traditionally marked the end of the harvest. Here you will find short wishes, messages for family, poems and traditions. Wishes for other holidays of the year are in our holiday wishes calendar.

The next feast of the Mother of God is the Nativity of the Theotokos (September 8), and in autumn — Pokrova.

Short Dormition wishes

• Happy Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos! Peace, health and God’s protection to your family.
• Happy First Feast of the Most Pure! May the Mother of God protect your home.
• Happy Dormition! Faith, hope and love.
• Happy great feast! May peace reign in your heart and harmony in your home.
• Happy Dormition! May the Holy Virgin watch over you and your loved ones.

Heartfelt Dormition wishes

• Happy Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos! May the Mother of God cover you with her mantle and give you peace of mind and strength to overcome difficulties. Peace to your home and health to your loved ones.
• Happy Dormition! This day reminds us that love is stronger than sorrow. May faith support you and your family always be close.
• Happy Dormition of the Mother of God! May this summer’s generous harvest be a symbol of abundance in your home and God’s grace your daily support.

For family and friends

• Mom, happy Dormition of the Theotokos! May the Mother of God protect you and give you health and peace.
• Grandma, happy First Feast of the Most Pure! Thank you for your prayers. May God give you strength and joy.
• Friends, happy Dormition! May peace and love always reign in your families.

Dormition poems

On the Dormition of the Holy Mother,
May she watch over you with care,
May you be blessed like no other
And find her comfort everywhere!

May the Holy Mother’s mantle spread
Above your family and home,
May peace and love be where you are led
And may you never walk alone!

Holiday traditions

• People attend the festive liturgy and pray for their loved ones.
• The Dormition Fast ends with a festive meal.
• In some regions, bouquets of herbs and flowers are blessed — hence the folk name “Herbal Mother of God”.
• People give thanks for the harvest — the Dormition once marked the end of reaping.

Other August feasts are Honey Savior Day and Apple Savior Day.

Flowers for the feast

Light, calm bouquets suit the Dormition: white roses and tender boxed arrangements. Such a gift is a warm gesture for mom or grandma.

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More ideas in our white flowers and flowers in a box collections.

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FAQ

When is the Dormition of the Theotokos in Ukraine?

August 15, according to the Revised Julian calendar of the OCU and UGCC. Old Style communities celebrate on August 28.

Why is it called the First Feast of the Most Pure?

In the Ukrainian folk calendar it is the first autumn feast of the Mother of God; the second is her Nativity (the Second Feast of the Most Pure).

What should I wish on the Dormition?

Peace, health, peace of mind and the protection of the Mother of God for the whole family.

The third August Saviour: Nut Saviour Day wishes (16 August).

The Third Most Pure feast: Presentation of the Theotokos wishes (21 November).

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Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.