On August 15, all across Romania, the churches are full. It is the feast Romanians simply call “Great Saint Mary”: the Dormition of the Mother of God. A prayer for August 15 is, above all, a prayer to the Mother of God, whom the faithful call the mother of all and the protector of families. In this article you will find what we actually celebrate on this day, short prayers to the Virgin Mary for the family, for children and for the departed, as well as some traditions and practical advice.
What we celebrate on August 15
The Dormition of the Mother of God is one of the twelve Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church. Tradition says that the Mother of God ended her earthly life in peace, surrounded by the apostles, and her soul was received by her Son. The Church does not speak of “death” but of “falling asleep” (dormition), because it sees in this passage an awakening to eternal life.
The feast is preceded by the Dormition Fast, from August 1 to 14. During these two weeks, many churches hold in the evening the Paraklesis to the Mother of God, a service of prayer to her for help in times of trouble. Also on August 15, those named Maria, Marian, Mariana, Marin and their variants celebrate their name day.
Prayer to the Virgin Mary for protection
A prayer in your own words (suggested by us, not a liturgical text):
Most Holy Theotokos, Mother of us all, on the day of your Dormition I come to you with an open heart. Cover me with your Protection, me and all those dear to me. Pray to your Son to grant us peace, health and strong faith. Where I do not know what to ask, ask for me. Amen.
The best-known short prayer to the Mother of God is “Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos…”, which you will find in any Orthodox prayer book and which you can say several times on this day.
Prayer for August 15 for family and children
Most Pure Mother, you who have known the care and the pain of a mother, take my family under your protection. Guard our children from evil, teach spouses patience and love, strengthen the elderly. Bring peace to our home and reconciliation where there has been hurt. Amen.
If on this day you are praying especially for your mother, living or departed, you will find more texts in the guide on prayer for your mother.
Prayer for the departed on the feast of Saint Mary
Because the feast speaks of the passage from this life, many believers also remember on this day their loved ones who have passed away.
Mother of God, who passed from life into life, pray for the souls of my loved ones who have fallen asleep: (names). Give them rest, O Lord, in Your light and forgive their sins. Amen.
For texts on commemorating the departed, see also the article on prayers for the departed.
Traditions of the Dormition of the Mother of God
- The Divine Liturgy and, where customary, the procession with the icon of the Mother of God.
- Pilgrimages to monasteries dedicated to the Dormition, where believers arrive the day before.
- Commemoration of the dead: in many regions alms are given and flowers are taken to the graves.
- Confession and Holy Communion at the end of the fast, for those who have prepared with their spiritual father.
- Romanian Navy Day is also celebrated on August 15, as the Mother of God is honored as the protector of sailors.
How to pray on August 15, step by step
- Prepare from the eve: a quiet evening, without rush, perhaps with the Paraklesis.
- Write a list of names of the living and the departed and give it to the church.
- Light a candle before the icon of the Mother of God, at home or in church.
- Say a short prayer several times a day, instead of a long one just once.
- Do a good deed for a mother or a woman living alone near you.
For your prayer corner you can choose candles from our shop. And if you feel that old burdens keep repeating across generations in your family, the materials in the Unbindings for Family & Parents collection can support you, together with prayer and the life of the Church.
Frequently asked questions
What prayer is said on the feast of Saint Mary?
The most accessible is “Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos…”, together with the Paraklesis to the Mother of God and a prayer in your own words, like the ones above.
Why is it called the “Dormition” and not the death of the Mother of God?
Because in the Orthodox faith the death of the righteous is seen as a sleep followed by the awakening to eternal life. The word expresses the peace and hope of this passage.
Can I pray for the dead on August 15?
Yes. Many believers commemorate their departed on the feast of Saint Mary, through a list of names, a candle and almsgiving. For local customs, ask your parish priest.
What should you avoid doing on the feast of Saint Mary?
Tradition recommends that the day be one of rest, prayer and reconciliation, without quarrels and without heavy work that can be postponed. More important than prohibitions is living the day in peace and gratitude.
