The Great feast of the Assumption: what is the date in Russia, what is asked of the Mother of God

August 28, 2025 is a great Christian holiday, the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is one of the twelve. This is the day when Orthodox believers remember the death of the Virgin Mary.

According to legend, one day, during prayer, the archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin, who once informed her of the impending birth of Jesus, and said that in three days her soul would leave her body. The news did not overshadow her at all, on the contrary, Maria was glad to meet her Son soon.

The Virgin was forever reunited with the one she loved more than life. Three days later, the apostles, who preached Christianity in different parts of the world, miraculously gathered at Mary's deathbed to say goodbye to her. They witnessed her peaceful death and how Jesus himself appeared surrounded by angels to receive his Mother's soul and lead her to paradise.

Only Thomas didn't make it in time for that day. He arrived three days after the funeral and, entering the cave where Mary was buried, found only a funeral cloth. On the evening of the same day, the Most Holy Theotokos appeared to the apostles with the joyful news that now she would always be with them. That is why the day of the death of the Virgin Mary has become a holiday in the Christian Church.

The date is preceded by a two-week fast, which is as strict as a Great One. That's what it's called — the Dormition Fast. The beginning falls on August 14, and the end on the eve of the Assumption is on August 27.

Since it is a great Christian holiday, it is celebrated for ten days. August 27 is the day of the pre—holiday. An all-night vigil begins in the churches the day before.

A celebration is called a few days after the holiday. During this period, prayers and songs tell about the Dormition. The last day is called the giving of the holiday. On the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it falls on September 5.

Since the Slavic national holiday Nut Savior falls on the first day of the celebration, parishioners bring baked bread and fruits of the new harvest to the church. The consecrated seeds are left for the next sowing.

Believers visit the temple and spend more time in prayer and meditation. They think about being, the opportunity to help others.

First of all, the Mother of God is asked for children: their conception, rapid childbirth, health and a happy future for them.

People do good deeds and postpone noisy, fun celebrations. They avoid quarrels and arguments. They try to eliminate all negativity.