The Dormition of the Mother of God, Forefeast of

Commemorated on August 14

The Troparion of the Forefeast invites us to gather on this day in gladness, for the Theotokos is about to depart from earth to heaven.

Troparion (Tone 4) –

Dance with joy, O peoples!
Clap your hands with gladness!
Gather today with fervor and jubilation;
sing with exultation.
The Mother of God is about to rise in glory,
ascending from earth to heaven.
We ceaselessly praise her in song as truly Theotokos.

Kontakion (Tone 4) –

Today the universe dances with joy at your glorious memorial,
and cries out to you, O Mother of God:
"Rejoice, O Virgin, pride of Christians!"

By permission of the Orthodox Church in America (www.oca.org)