Greece celebrates the Dormition of the Virgin Mary

·

Greece observed the Dormition of the Virgin Mary with magnificence and devotion, marked by liturgical ceremonies and processions featuring the Virgin’s icon, on Tuesday.

This day, often referred to as the “Summer Easter” of Greek Orthodoxy, pays tribute to the mother of Jesus Christ, acknowledged as a sublime maternal figure for humanity. She is believed to intercede on behalf of the faithful and provide genuine solace during personal trials, according to amna.gr.

For Greeks, the Virgin Mary holds deep ties to the nation’s historical struggles, a sentiment evident in the numerous epithets attributed to her name across towns and villages throughout Greece.

Celebrations in Greece for the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. Photo: amna.gr

The island of Tinos traditionally takes center stage in the celebrations of the Dormition feast. Devotees embark on pilgrimages to the grand Church of the Virgin Mary of Tinos.

The church’s iconic image was discovered in January 1823 by a nun from the historical Monastery of the Dormition of the Virgin/”Lady of the Angels” on the island, who received divine guidance leading her to its location.

In 1836, a royal decree established an eight-day observance of the Virgin Mary on Tinos, lasting until August 23 (nine days following her dormition).

During this period, both an epitaphios (a ceremonial funerary bier, typically associated with Christ) and her icon are venerated.

Coinciding with the annual liturgy is the remembrance of the sinking of the Greek cruiser ‘Elli’ at the island’s port by the Italians on Dormition Day in 1940. Each year, top government and Armed Forces leaders partake in both events.

Source: amna.gr

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Is chaos a strategy? My unplanned plan to moving overseas

Book the ticket. Pack your logic (and walking shoes). And if you're lucky, a stranger in a hostel might just become a lifelong friend.

Melbourne mum Debbie Voulgaris breaks silence from Taiwanese jail

Debbie Voulgaris has broken her silence from a Taiwanese prison, speaking out for the first time since her 2023 arrest for drug smuggling.

St George Saints bounce back with a big win

The St George Saints Mens White team were on a mission to avenge previous losses this week. Read more about it here.

Erdogan to be invited to Cyprus-led EU Council in push for regional dialogue

Cyprus has revealed plans to host a high-level EU Council meeting in April 2026, inviting leaders including Erdogan.

Judicial term ends for Cyprus Judge who made landmark ruling in Thanasis Nicolaou case

Judge Doria Varoshiotou will not be made a permanent judge after completing her two-year probationary term.

You May Also Like

Three Greek students win in the Ethnic Schools Association of SA Children’s Week Awards

Sofia Pipinias, Sofia Papakostas and Dezzi Tsoukalas have won in the Ethnic Schools Association of South Australia Children's Week Awards.

Receivers take control of Cyprus Community of NSW as legal turmoil deepens

A power struggle within the Cyprus Community of NSW has exposed deep factional divisions, including among directors of Cyprus Capital Limited

Alexander the Great: One of history’s greatest military commanders

Alexander the Great was born on July 20 or 21 in 356 B.C. and to mark the occasion, we look back at the life of this important historical figure.