When is the Assumption of the Virgin Mary celebrated in 2024 – a new date, meaning and traditions of the holiday

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Every year in August, Ukrainians celebrate the great twelfth church holiday, which is dedicated to honoring the mother of the Son of God, the Virgin Mary, and her transition to the Heavenly Kingdom, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

When we will celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 2024, what is the meaning of the holiday and what are the important Ukrainian traditions on this date.

When is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 2024 — a new date

As you know, before the Orthodox Church of Ukraine switched to the New Julian calendar, believers celebrated this important holiday on August 28. Now the First Purity will fall on August 15. This date will remain unchanged.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – the history and meaning of the holiday

It should be noted that there is no direct historical data about the date, place or circumstances of the death of the Virgin Mary, since it is not is mentioned in the canonical Gospels.

Therefore, the feast of the Assumption is a symbolic end of the church year, which ends on August 31. And also honoring the transition of the Mother of God to the eternal glory of her Son. This date is a time of worship, joint prayer and faith in eternal life after death.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was first celebrated as a significant holiday in 431 after the Council in Ephesus.

According to church traditions, after after the death of Jesus Christ, the Mother of God lived in Jerusalem, in Ivan the Theologian. She prayed a lot, did needlework, talked with believers. The Virgin Mary loved to spend time on the Mount of Olives, from where Jesus ascended.

When the Mother of God was already in old age, during prayer on the mountain, the Archangel Gabriel descended to her. He gave her a heavenly branch and said that in three days her earthly journey would end. The Virgin Mary was not upset, but asked to send Christ's apostles to her to say goodbye. Gabriel fulfilled the request, and the apostles were at John's house on the appointed day. At the same time, Jesus descended from heaven after the Mother of God.

Assumption of the Most Holy Mother of God on August 15 – Ukrainian traditions

On the eve of the Assumption of the Mother of God and on the day of the holiday, solemn services are held in churches. According to good tradition, believers visit churches and bring flowers to the icon of the Mother of God.

It is also customary to consecrate bread or bunches of bread. Christians must help the needy. It is believed that whoever helps another person from the heart will receive the blessing of the Mother of God.

The Assumption fast ends on the holiday, so it is allowed to have a feast with meat and fish dishes. There must be bread from the grain of the new harvest on the table.