August 14th, 7 - 9:30 pm - The Vigil Service. We begin the feast on the eve. The service consists of Vespers and Matins with blessing of the loaves, carrying forth of the icon, and anointing. Come for part or all of the service. If you must work on the 15th, this is your opportunity to participate in the feast and fulfill your minimal obligation.
August 15th, 10 am - Divine Liturgy. The main liturgical celebration of the feast. All are strongly encouraged to attend - bring your children! Bring flowers and herbs for blessing.
August 16 , 7 - 9:30 pm - The Praises at the Tomb. This unique and beautiful service is similar to Jerusalem Matins of Holy Saturday. We gather around the shroud of the Theotokos and praise our Holy Mother. A procession with the shroud takes place at dusk. If for good reason you cannot get to church for the above services - this is your chance to pay your respects to “the Mother of Life”.
Three services, three chances to pay your respects. Do not be negligent of your Christian obligations. Make appropriate plans in order to attend some or all of the above mentioned services. Let us gather, as did the Apostles in Gethsemane, and fittingly pay our respects at the funeral services our Mother, the Lady Theotokos!
THREE OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEK TO HONOUR THE DORMITION:
On August 15th the church celebrates the Dormition (falling asleep) of the Mother of God. We Christians observe this feast with great care and devotion, preparing ourselves with prayer and fasting. These are the funeral services of our Mother, and similar to Good Friday we ought to stop everything and enter into this mystery. Here at Saint Elias there are three opportunities for you
to participate in these extraordinary services: