Assumption of the Virgin in 2025: date, what not to do

Every year, on August 28, one of the main Christian holidays is celebrated — the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On this day, believers remember the death of the Mother of God and her reunion with her Son. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Thursday. Read about why the death of the Virgin is considered a holiday and what not to do on this day in the Izvestia article.

When is the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin celebrated in 2025

In the Orthodox tradition, the Day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is always celebrated on August 28. It is preceded by the two-week Dormition Fast, which is comparable in severity only to Lent before Easter. Catholics celebrate the Dormition of the Virgin on August 15th.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary — history

The word "assumption" in modern Russian can be translated as "peaceful death" or "sleep." It is used in relation to the Mother of God, because she did not die in the usual sense, but fell asleep for a short time before the resurrection.

Legend has it that after the death of Christ, the Virgin Mary lived in Jerusalem. The Apostle John, fulfilling the will of his Teacher, took care of her as if she were his own mother.

The Mother of God devoted a lot of time to prayer and often came to the place where Jesus was crucified. On one of these days, the archangel Gabriel appeared to her and informed her that in three days her earthly life would end and she would be reunited with her son. To prove his words, the heavenly messenger presented the heavenly branch to the Mother of God.

Upon learning of his imminent death, the Mother of God rejoiced and thanked God. On the appointed day, all the apostles came to say goodbye to her, despite the fact that by that time they had long since gone around the world preaching. When the time came, the Son of God descended from heaven to take his mother's soul.

The apostles buried the Virgin Mary where she had bequeathed, in a cave on Mount Gethsemane, not far from the graves of her parents. The entrance to the tomb was blocked with a heavy stone. However, the Apostle Thomas could not accompany the Mother of God with everyone. He came on the third day and asked for permission to see the tomb of the Lady and mourn for her.

However, when the cave was opened, the body was no longer in it — the Virgin Mary had risen and ascended to heaven, only her funeral veil remained. Today, this shrine is kept in the Gethsemane Monastery, located opposite the Holy Sepulchre.

The meaning of the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin

During the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, it is not the fact of the Mother of God's death itself that is celebrated, but her transition to eternal life and reunion with her Son. Therefore, the icons dedicated to this event depict Jesus with a child in his arms — the soul of the Virgin, who is ready to be reborn.

The fact that the Virgin Mary became the first resurrected mortal also attaches special importance to this holiday. It is noteworthy that she in some way repeated the fate of her Son, waking up from a mortal dream on the third day. Therefore, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is also popularly called little Easter. Thus, this day also celebrates the victory of eternal life over death.

What should I ask for the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 2025

On the day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, believers ask for health for themselves and their loved ones, as well as for a better fate for their children. The Mother of God is asked for help in passing difficult life trials. They also pray to her for a peaceful family life and healing from illnesses.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 2025 — what can and cannot be done

Before the Dormition of the Virgin, an all-night vigil is held in churches, and festive liturgies are held in the afternoon. It is advisable for believers to attend at least one service and pray for the well-being of their loved ones.

In addition, this holiday marks the end of the Dormition Fast. This means that feasts with a wide variety of dishes are not prohibited. However, the church calls for moderation, especially in alcohol consumption.

The Mother of God was famous for her kindness, generosity, and compassion, so it would be helpful to dedicate yourself to charity on her holiday.

In Russia, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary fell at the end of the harvest. After finishing their hard work, people sought to establish a personal life. Therefore, on the holiday, the young men went to woo. It was believed that the Mother of God herself blesses such couples for a happy family life.

There are also certain restrictions during the Dormition. On a holiday, you can not do heavy physical labor, as well as clean the house and sew. It is also forbidden to quarrel, especially with loved ones, swear, be jealous and enter into conflicts.

In Russia, it was considered a bad omen to go to the Dormition barefoot in the dew. According to legend, this is how the earth mourns the separation from the Virgin, so trampling on her tears is a great sin.

According to another popular belief, unmarried girls should not get a haircut on this day, otherwise they will not get married in the near future. In addition, you should not wear tight shoes on a holiday. Anyone who rubs his calluses on the Assumption will not see joy in life for a long time.

Earlier, Izvestia told how Elijah's Day is celebrated and why it is forbidden to swim in open reservoirs on this holiday.