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15th of August not just any day for the Greek Orthodox. It’s a Holy celebration for the whole nation. It is a time for rest. A time for all Greeks to relax and celebrate. Returning to their hometowns. A time to be with loved ones and enjoy their two weeks of summer bliss.
For those who hold traditions; they would be in a two week fasting period. This started on the 1st of August, in preparation for the feast on the 15th of August., tomorrow. The 15th of August is a day we all celebrate our Holy Mother. Our beloved ‘Panagia’. She has the highest place at the heart of any Greek.
When something scares a Greek, the phrase “Panagia mou” is the first words that comes from his/her mouth. Followed by the sign of the Cross with the right hand across one’s heart. When something happens that one could not understand; a miracle, a wonder or just plain unexplainable situations, again this phrase is used. A sign that she is a protector of all her children.
History
The Holy Mother during Christianity replaced what Greeks held close to their heart. In ancient times, the ancient Goddess Hera and before her Gaia, the Big Mother. The Island of Samos was Hera’s birthplace and the center of her adoration. This will explain a lot, the strong and long relationship of the Islanders with “Panagia”, The Holy Mother.
Preparation
The commemoration of the Dormition of the Theotokos and the preparation for the Feast begin on August 1st. This comes with a period of fasting. A strict fast is followed on most of the days (no meat, dairy, oil, or wine), with the exceptions of fish on the Feast of the Transfiguration (August 6th) and the day of the Dormition (15th). Oil and Wine are allowed on Saturdays and Sundays.
On the weekdays before the Feast, you will notice ‘Paraklesis’, these are services which are held in most parishes. However, it is also a tradition here in Zakynthos, for the local priest to call at every home in his parish, and conduct a small ceremony within the home as well.
Zakynthians will make sure they have their icon placed in a special place within their home, an icon of their beloved Virgin Mary. Many will pay tribute by lighting a candle or ‘Kandili’ (a special type of candle holder that will allow the candle to burn for hours.) This will be placed near the icon in tribute.
Church services
A “Great Vespers” is conducted on the evening before the day of the Feast (14thAug). Churches built in her name will be open for service. Including churches such as our Patron Saint’s church St. Dionysios, The Church of Faneromeni and just to name a few villages, such as Vanato, Kalamaki, Keri, Lagadakia, Katastari, Mouzaki and Tragaki. Most will hold the typical village celebrations where you can buy the Zakynthian delights ‘Pastelli’ and ‘Fitoures’ and of course usually with a small fireworks display.
Celebrations
Throughout Zakynthos there will be celebrations of all sorts. Not only are we celebrating the Assumption of our Holy Mother but it is also a day for the local women to celebrate their name day.
It is a tradition here in Zakynthos that Maria is celebrated not any other name derived for the name ‘Panagia”, for instance Peter or Panagiota and Despina. They celebrate later on in the year. This day is only for Maria, the Holy Mother’s name, whereas in other parts of Greece the latter will celebrate.
The Feast of the Dormition, 15th August, is celebrated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. It is conducted in the morning of the Feast and preceded by a Matins (Orthros) service. At the church of Faneromeni, in Zakynthos town, they will pay tribute to our Holy Mother. A litany of the Holy Mother’s icon in procession will take place around the town.
In addition, A Great Vespers is conducted on the evening before the day of the Feast. This is in preparation of the feast. All these traditions are based on the Biblical story, one that tells we must embrace each other as brother, sister, mother and father.
Biblical Story.
The Holy Scriptures tell us that when our Lord was dying on the Cross so, He saw His mother and His disciple John. Speaking to the Virgin Mary, “Woman, behold your son!” and to John, “Behold your mother!” (John 19:25-27). From that hour, the Apostle took care of the Theotokos in his own home.
Along with the biblical reference in Acts 1:14 that confirms that the Virgin Mary was with the Holy Apostles on the day of Pentecost, the tradition of the Church holds that she remained in the home of the Apostle John in Jerusalem, continuing a ministry in word and deed.
At the time of her death, the disciples who were preaching throughout the world returned to Jerusalem to see the Theotokos. Except for the Apostle Thomas. All of them including the Apostle Paul gathered together at her bedside. At the moment of her death, Jesus Christ himself descended and carried her soul into heaven.
Following her repose, the body of the Theotokos was taken in procession and laid in a tomb near the Garden of Gethsemane. However, when the Apostle Thomas arrived three days after her repose and desired to see her body, the tomb was found empty. The bodily assumption of the Theotokos was confirmed by the message of an angel and by her appearance to the Apostles.
So for whatever reason you are celebrating the 15th of August, ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑ as we would say and may our Holy Mother, always be with you.
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