{"id":46597,"date":"2016-08-14T12:32:35","date_gmt":"2016-08-14T12:32:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/malankaraorthodox.tv\/?p=46597"},"modified":"2016-08-14T12:33:02","modified_gmt":"2016-08-14T12:33:02","slug":"an-article-on-the-assumption-of-st-mary-the-mother-of-god","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/malankaraorthodox.tv\/?p=46597","title":{"rendered":"Assumption of St. Mary, the mother of God \/ Fr. T. George, Ireland"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"st_mary\"<\/a><\/p>\n

ASSUMPTION OF ST.MARY THE MOTHER OF GOD<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Fr. T. George, Ireland<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

August 15, is a red letter day for the Holy Church all over the world. It is on this day that \u00a0we\u00a0 commemorate the great event of the\u00a0 exaltation of the Blessed virgin Mary by God and we express our honour to her, communicate with her, cherish our love for her, \u00a0preservice our cordial relation with her, and\u00a0 celebrate our faith on \u00a0the mysterious way of her \u00a0departure to heavenly abode, \u00a0popularly known as \u00a0\u00a0the feast of \u00a0“Soonoyo” in Syriac\u00a0 or \u00a0Vangippu in Malayalam, \u00a0following an observance\u00a0 of \u00a0a\u00a0 \u00a0fifteen days of \u00a0fasting and \u00a0Lent. \u00a0\u00a0Prior to every festival, there is always a fasting period, attached to it in highlighting its spiritual significance. \u00a0\u00a0Unlike the Catholics, this is not a dogma to the Orthodox. The doctrines of holy Trinity and the Incarnation have been proclaimed as dogmas, for they belong to the public preaching of the church, but the glorification of Our Lady belongs to the inner tradition of the holy church as the mystery of mother was revealed only to those who are within the church.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Of course, the mother of God has a pride of place in the holy Church but is never equated to the holy triune God.\u00a0 This feast in her blessed memory is important to the faithful but not as important as the feast of our Lord like Yeldo or Kyemtho.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Assumption (taken alive) is the term used by the Roman Catholic Church, while the Orthodox Church uses the term \u2018Dormition\u2019 meaning falling asleep in the Lord of St. Mary, the mother of God. In the biblical perspective, physical death is often compared to sleeping, which seems to be in a resting mode but internally active. (John 11:11) \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Assumption of St.\u00a0 Mary into Heaven is significant because it shows us that she was made immaculate by God\u2019s grace at the time of the Annunciation. \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Psalms 16 is all about the joy and benefits of a life lived in companion with God.\u00a0 It makes it clear that God would not abandon a faithful to the grave, nor would let a holy person be decayed.\u00a0 Based on \u00a0this Bible verse, \u00a0we can be sure that God who chose ,\u00a0 set apart and made holy\u00a0 the virgin Mary \u00a0for \u00a0the Divine Incarnation, would not let \u00a0her decayed.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Orthodox Church believes that the Virgin Mary, like the rest of humankind, underwent physical death, but in her case, the resurrection of the body has been anticipated. This is not viewed as a resurrection like her son\u2019s, but rather as the first fruit of our bodily resurrection.\u00a0 Awakening her into a glorified life after her physical death was not a big issue for the Lord who brought back the life of Lazarus of Bethany.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0As Jesus, our Lord has promised \u201cTruly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. (John 5:25).\u00a0\u00a0 What Jesus\u2019s was an ascension (swargarohanam), whereas, Mary\u2019s was her bodily assumption (swargaropanam). After her death, her body was taken up or assumed into heaven and her tomb was found to be empty. She has passed beyond death and judgement, and live already in the Age to come, for the Bible assures: \u201cThere is, therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\nThe Church celebrates the feast of assumption as an honour to her and as hope of being taken up when Christ comes. St Paul says\u201d\u2026And the dead in Christ will rise first, then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so will always be with the Lord\u201d (1 Thessalonians 4: 16b- 17) In verse 18, St. Pauls exhorts us to encourage one another with these words.\u00a0 Therefore, the celebration of this feast is in line with his exhortation. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0If the repentant thief on the Cross of Calvary was offered a placement in paradise, how more she will be?\u00a0 It is for sure that God might have rewarded her for her holy and glorious life on earth by being the mother of God, the Incarnate, and \u00a0\u00a0who willingly submitted herself to God\u2019s plan, and for the sufferings she faced\u00a0\u00a0 for the sake of her son Jesus throughout her lifetime? She has been extolled for her quality of life by being synergic to God\u2019s will and for having been honoured to be chosen and consecrated by God from among the whole humanity, No one has ever been humbled like her, and elevated like her.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The church father St. Athanasius has praised Our Lady. \u201cFor who is your equal in greatness, O dwelling place of God the Word? To whom among all creatures shall I compare you, O Virgin? You are greater than them all. O [Ark of the New] Covenant, clothed with purity instead of gold! You are the Ark in which is found the golden vessel containing the true manna, that is, the flesh in which divinity resides.\u201d[Homily of the papyrus of Turin].\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Through the Book of Revelation, St John gives us a clue of St, Mary\u2019s presence in heaven. The “Ark” of the New Covenant is seen within God\u2019s temple in heaven (Revelation 11:19) who was bodily taken up to heaven by the power and magnanimity of God. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This was nothing new. Enoch and Elijah received similar treatment.\u00a0 Enoch for he walked with God was taken up (Genesis 5: 24) and Elijah for, he was a man of incredible faith and loyalty to God, was taken up in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:\u00a0 11)\u00a0\u00a0 Similarly, Moses, whom God knew face to face, too is believed to be taken to heaven after having been buried in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor. \u00a0(Deuteronomy 34: 6, and the Epistle of Jude v 9).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Early writings like Biography of St. Mary, expository songs and prayers says,
\nJesus with a host of angels appeared at the time of her departure. The disciples too
\ngathered there\u00a0 \u00a0as informed by the Holy Spirit from their respective mission
\nfields. Jesus asked the blessed mother if she had any wish. The blessed mother
\nimplored her only Son Jesus Christ to grant the believers their genuine wishes when they make it through her intercession. Jesus instantly promised to do so and took her to heaven.\u00a0 This was because God valued her, for it is written in Psalm 116:15 \u201cPrecious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of His holy ones\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A prophecy of the posthumous life of the mother of God is delineated in the book of Revelation 12:1- 6. \u201cAnd a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was crying out, in birth pains and in agony of giving birth. And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it. She gave birth to a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a lace prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1260 days\u201d.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In the book of Genesis 3:15, it is foretold that \u201cI will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offering and her offering. Reference to the fulfilling of this word of God is seen in the following verse. \u201cNow a war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back but he was defeated and there was no longer any place for them in heaven\u2026..\u201d(Rev 7ff)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

And finally, it is said in the verse 14 thus: \u201cBut the woman was given two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time\u201d. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 The wilderness mentioned is the paradise and there she rests. It is the time for looking ourselves and repent on the very day of soonoyo. Just like St Mary was taken up, we too will be taken up when the Son of man comes. Let us live in that hope. \u00a0\u00a0As we celebrate the feast of Dormition of St. Mary, let us submit ourselves to the Lord\u2019s service by emulating the holy and altruistic life of her and by seeking her intercession. God be with us always.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

ASSUMPTION OF ST.MARY THE MOTHER OF GOD \u00a0Fr. T. George, Ireland \u00a0 August 15, is a red letter day for the Holy Church all over the world. It is on … <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":31630,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-46597","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/malankaraorthodox.tv\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46597","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/malankaraorthodox.tv\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/malankaraorthodox.tv\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malankaraorthodox.tv\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malankaraorthodox.tv\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=46597"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/malankaraorthodox.tv\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46597\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46599,"href":"https:\/\/malankaraorthodox.tv\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46597\/revisions\/46599"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malankaraorthodox.tv\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/31630"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/malankaraorthodox.tv\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=46597"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malankaraorthodox.tv\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=46597"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malankaraorthodox.tv\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=46597"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}