Assumption of Mary - August 15th Countdown 2025
The Assumption of Mary - August 15th
The Assumption of Mary is a significant feast day celebrated by various Christian denominations on August 15th. It commemorates the belief that God assumed the Virgin Mary into Heaven following her death.
Beliefs and Teachings
The Catholic Church teaches the Assumption of Mary as a dogma, declared by Pope Pius XII in 1950. It states that "the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory."
Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate the Dormition of the Theotokos, which is similar in meaning, referring to the "falling asleep" of Mary before her bodily resurrection and ascension into heaven.
Many other Protestant denominations do not observe the Assumption as a feast day or accept it as dogma, although individual believers may hold personal beliefs about Mary's fate after death.
How the Assumption is Observed
The Assumption of Mary is observed in various ways, particularly by Catholic and Orthodox Christians:
- Mass and Liturgical Celebrations: Special Masses and liturgical services are held in Catholic churches worldwide.
- Divine Liturgy: Orthodox churches celebrate the Divine Liturgy for the Dormition of the Theotokos.
- Feasts and Gatherings: In many cultures, the day is marked with special meals and gatherings of families and communities.
- Processions: Some regions hold religious processions in honor of the Virgin Mary.
- Public Holiday: In many Catholic-majority countries, August 15th is a public holiday.