Does the Orthodox Church believe in the Assumption of Mary?
In August, Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians celebrate the assumption into heaven of the Virgin Mary, the mother of God. This week’s clergy discuss the Bible passages, religious beliefs and traditions associated with the feast also known as the Dormition or Falling Asleep of Mary.
What is Holy Dormition?
The use of the term dormition expresses the belief that the Virgin died without suffering, in a state of spiritual peace. This belief does not rest on any scriptural basis, but is affirmed by Orthodox sacred tradition.
Why do we go under the Epitaphio?
Crawling under the Epitaph is believed to bless and forgive the people of their sins. Night has arrived. The Epitaphios (Epitaph) is coming out of the church. First the Epitaphios, then the priests, and after them the people.
What day is the Epitafio?
Traditions of Orthodox Good Friday The first ceremony takes place on Good Friday where the “Epitafios”, an imitation of the Christ’s funeral bier, is decorated with many flowers by the local women.
Does the Orthodox Church pray to saints?
Intercession of the Saints is a Christian doctrine held by the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Catholic churches. The practice of praying through saints can be found in Christian writings from the 3rd century onward.
Where was the Virgin Mary buried?
Tomb of the Virgin, JerusalemMary / Place of burial
How long is the Epitaphios service?
The Epitaphios is used on the last two days of Holy Week in the Byzantine rite, as part of the ceremonies marking the death and resurrection of Christ. It is then placed on the Holy Table (altar table), where it remains throughout the Paschal season.
How long does Pascha last?
The 50 days following Pascha are called the Pentecostarion (also named after the liturgical book). The Sunday of each week has a special commemoration, named for the Gospel reading assigned to that day. Certain other weekdays have special commemorations of their own.
What do Greek Orthodox say on Good Friday?
While clinking each other’s eggs, religious Greeks tell each other, ‘Christos Anesti’ (Christ has Risen), and reply, ‘Alithos Anesti’ (He has indeed risen).
What do Greek Orthodox do on Good Friday?
Many adult Orthodox Christians observe Good Friday with fasting, prayer, cleanliness, self-examination, confession and good works. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America celebrates the Passion of Christ, or the last moments of his life according to the New Testament in the Bible, on Good Friday.
What is an Epitaphios and why is it used?
Other scholars reason that the epitaphios evolved from a ceremonial cloth used to veil the chalice containing the wine and the platter holding the unconsecrated bread of the Eucharist as they were brought to the altar.
What is the meaning of the Greek word epitaph?
In Greek the word has, inter alia, the meaning of both the English epitaph and the liturgical one presented here, the latter having been acquired during the Christian period. The icon depicts Christ after he has been removed from the cross, lying supine, as his body is being prepared for burial.
What is Epitaphios of the Theotokos?
Epitaphios of the Theotokos. The Rite of the “Burial of the Theotokos” began in Jerusalem, and from there it was carried to Russia, where it was used in the Uspensky (Dormition) cathedral in Moscow. Its use has slowly spread among the Russian Orthodox, though it is not by any means a standard service in all parishes,…
What is the proper veneration of the Epitaphios?
The form which the veneration of the epitaphios takes will vary between ethnic traditions. Some will make three prostrations, then kiss the image of Christ on the Epitaphios and the Gospel Book, and then make three more prostrations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTtqKXRoy10