Happy Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary: heartfelt postcards, pictures and greetings

Every year on August 28, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, one of the most important religious holidays dedicated to the death of the Virgin Mary. On this day, the short but strict Dormition fast ends, and believers come to churches to praise the Mother of God and ask for her intercession. Izvestia has prepared heartfelt postcards and congratulations for this bright celebration.

August 28 is the Orthodox feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

According to legend, after Christ's crucifixion, John, the Savior's beloved disciple, took over the care of his Mother. He settled the Virgin in his house and showed her respect as the eldest member of the family. For the apostles who had lost their Teacher, Mary became the main comforter, the keeper of her Son's words and the living memory of him. Everyone who spoke to her felt the presence of divine grace.

In her old age, the Virgin Mary spent most of her time in prayer at places associated with the earthly life of Jesus. She often visited the Mount of Olives, where the Ascension of the Lord took place, asking God for an early reunion with her son. On one of these visits, Archangel Gabriel appeared before her with a branch of paradise in his hands and informed her that in three days she would pass away.

August 28 — Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: what can and cannot be done

When the Mother of God heard these words, she rejoiced and hurried back to Jerusalem. One thing saddened Mary — before she died, she would not be able to see the other apostles, as they had gone preaching all over the world. And then a miracle happened: the disciples of Christ, who were in different countries, suddenly found themselves at John's house.

On the day of her death, the Mother of God closed her eyes with quiet joy, surrounded by her loved ones. It looked like she was just sleeping, her face looked so serene. Hence the name of the holiday — the word "assumption" in Old Slavonic means "sleep" or "peaceful death." Suddenly, a bright light illuminated the upper room, the roof flew open, and Jesus, surrounded by angels, took the soul of the Virgin to heaven.

The Virgin Mary was buried with honors in the Garden of Gethsemane, where her parents were buried. Many residents of the city came to say goodbye to her. Only the Apostle Thomas did not make it to the ceremony. Arriving on the third day, he was saddened that he could not personally accompany the Virgin on her last journey, and asked to open her tomb. The apostles agreed and rolled away the stone covering the entrance. However, the tomb of the Mother of God turned out to be empty — she was resurrected not only spiritually, but also physically, the first person to receive this honor.

The Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin appeared relatively late. It began to be celebrated in the IV century, and the official church rite of the celebration took shape only three centuries later. However, over time, it became one of the most important holidays for Orthodox Christians.

Happy Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary: the best postcards and pictures

Despite the "mourning" theme, the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin is not considered sad. For believers, it serves as a reminder that death is not the end of human existence. Having "fallen asleep" in the earthly world, the Mother of God rose up for eternal life in heaven. According to Christian teaching, this awaits all followers of Christ after the Second Coming.

The celebration of the Assumption concludes with one of the strictest multi—day fasts of the year - the Assumption. On the eve of the celebration, an all-night vigil is held in churches, and in the morning the liturgy is celebrated. The clergy dress in blue robes. This color symbolizes the purity and purity of the Virgin.

On the holiday, believers pray to the Mother of God for health for themselves and their loved ones, and also ask for her intercession and help in various situations. After the divine services, many parishioners arrange feasts with their relatives and friends. Some, following the example of the Mother of God, participate in charity events: they help the poor, visit the sick, orphans and the elderly.

In Russia, the Dormition coincided with the end of field work, so peasants brought bunches of ears of corn, grain, or bread made from new harvest flour to churches, which were illuminated after the liturgy. This day was also considered favorable for matchmaking and engagements. According to popular beliefs, the Virgin Mary herself blesses the couple formed on the holiday for a long and happy union.

On the day of the Assumption, it is recommended to devote time to prayer and visit the temple. Contrary to popular belief, it is not forbidden to work on a holiday, but work and daily chores should not overshadow the spiritual meaning of the celebration. In addition, the church calls for moderation in eating and avoiding excessive revelry.

Congratulations on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 2025

The Dormition of the Virgin Mary is a significant holiday for all Orthodox Christians. On this day, all believers receive congratulations from relatives and friends. Traditionally, peace, love, warmth, and deliverance from all ills and illnesses are wished on the holiday.

"Congratulations on the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary! May joy light up your heart and fill your soul with grace on this bright day. I wish you good health, inner harmony, sincere love and fulfillment of your most cherished desires."

"Happy Dormition of the Virgin, dear ones! May happiness and cheerful laughter always reign in your homes, and disputes be resolved peacefully and amicably. I wish you earthly and spiritual blessings, wisdom, strength, perseverance and faith in a bright future. May the Mother of God and the holy angels protect you from any troubles and disappointments!"

"Happy Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos! Today we celebrate the victory over death, because the Virgin Mary proved by her example that earthly life will continue in the Kingdom of Heaven. We wish you peace of mind, hope and love. May the fire of faith never go out on your inner beacon."

"I sincerely congratulate you on the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin! May your thoughts always be pure and your actions sincere. I wish you love, warmth, steadfastness in faith and well-being in life."

Earlier, Izvestia told about the history, traditions and signs of the Orekhov Savior.