Importance of Assumption Fast (Soonoyo Fast)

In the name of God the Father, Christ Jesus His Son and the Holy Spirit, One True God. Amen

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus

From August 1st to August 15th, Orthodox Christians around the world embark on a profound spiritual journey – a 15-day fast in commemoration of the assumption or departure of the Mother of God, Mother Mary. This time-honoured tradition, observed by the Indian Orthodox Church and other Orthodox Churches, holds deep significance in the hearts of believers. It is a period of devout preparation and introspection leading up to the Feast of the Assumption (more commonly known as Dormition), which celebrates the falling asleep and assumption of Mother Mary into heaven. In this blog post, we will explore the profound meaning behind the assumption of Mother Mary and how this sacred fast enriches the spiritual lives of Orthodox Christians.

The Assumption of Mother Mary: A Symbol of Faith and Salvation History:

The observance of the assumption of Mother Mary is deeply rooted in the reverence and honor bestowed upon her as the mother of Jesus Christ. Within Orthodox Christianity, Mary holds a central and pivotal role in salvation history. Her unwavering faith and willingness to accept the divine calling to become the mother of Jesus exemplify the virtues of humility, obedience, and faithfulness.

Orthodox Christians believe that after her earthly life, the Virgin Mary’s body and soul were taken up to heaven by God, an event referred to as the assumption. This profound belief signifies the special favour and grace bestowed upon her by God, acknowledging her unique role in the redemption of humanity.

The Spiritual Significance of the Assumption Fast:

The 15-day fast leading up to the Feast of the Dormition is a spiritually enriching period for Orthodox Christians. During this time, believers engage in prayer, repentance, and acts of charity to draw closer to God. The fast serves as an opportunity to emulate the virtues exemplified by Mother Mary and to deepen one’s love and devotion towards her.

By participating in this sacred fast, Orthodox Christians seek spiritual growth and connection with God. They reflect on the life and legacy of Mother Mary, drawing inspiration from her unwavering faith and dedication to God’s will. This period of spiritual preparation allows believers to meditate on the profound significance of the assumption and its impact on their own journey of faith.

Tracing the Origins and Early Development of the Feast

The veneration of Mother Mary can be traced back to the early centuries of Christianity. Early Christians held Mary in high esteem as the mother of Jesus Christ and a pivotal figure in the story of salvation. As Christianity spread throughout the Eastern regions, the reverence for Mary’s role in salvation history grew, leading to the emergence of various traditions and devotions in her honour.

The belief in the assumption of Mother Mary finds its roots in early Christian writings and apocryphal texts. While the exact origins of this belief remain shrouded in mystery, some early Christian writings allude to the notion of Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven after her earthly life. The apocryphal work known as the “Transitus Mariae” (Latin for “The Passing of Mary”) is one such text that narrates the story of Mary’s departure from this world and her assumption into heavenly glory.

Development of Feast Days

The Feast of the Dormition, also known as the Feast of the Assumption, began to emerge in different Christian communities, celebrating the falling asleep (or death) of Mary and her assumption into heaven. The exact date and practices of the feast varied in different regions, with some communities observing it on August 15th.

The Connection with Fasting

As the veneration of Mary and the belief in her assumption continued to spread, some Christian communities began to observe a period of fasting and prayer leading up to the Feast of the Dormition. This fasting period served as a time of spiritual preparation and reflection, allowing believers to honour Mary’s life and legacy while seeking deeper connection with God.

Conclusion

The Assumption/Dormition Fast finds its origins in the early Christian veneration of Mary and the emergence of beliefs surrounding her assumption into heaven. Over the centuries, this fast has evolved into a cherished period of spiritual preparation and reflection for Eastern Christian believers, honoring the Mother of God and deepening their connection with the divine. Today, the Assumption/Dormition Fast remains an essential tradition within the Eastern Christian tradition, promoting spiritual growth and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, this year as we walk this lenten journey looking towards the Feast of Assumption of Theotokos, I will endeavour in bringing to you few concepts of the Orthodox faith based on the Mother of God, Mother Mary. Kindly uphold this sinful servant in your prayers.

Your brother in Christ.