The Dormition Fast
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On Aug. 1 we begin a two-week fast in honor of the Holy Theotokos, in preparation for the celebration of her holy Dormition (falling asleep). Our fast ends on August 14th, the Vigil of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. Traditionally this is a strict fast, but observance in America is voluntary.
According to tradition, our heavenly Mother in preparation for her death prayed and fasted. In imitation of her and for proper spiritual preparation for the glorious feast of the Assumption, the Church prescribes for her faithful a fasting period of two weeks. It begins on the 1st of August, that is, on the feast of the martyred Maccabees. However, the fast is not kept on the feast of the Transfiguration.
Why do we have fasting seasons? The Scriptural foundation for the practice of Fasting is found in the Synoptic Gospels, when the Pharisees criticized the Apostles for not fasting, Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” Our Lord, in this passage, was referring to his being taken to be crucified; but in the larger sense these words of the Lord are understood in terms of his Ascension into heaven, and his command to preach the Gospel, which can only be accomplished with prayer and fasting. The New Testament mentions the practice of fasting many times.
According to Eastern Christian teaching, by fasting we observe this time-honored Apostolic practice. We can also unite our lives more closely to the Mother of God through the Dormition Fast. By fasting, we can join in and show our appreciation for the sacrifices of the Theotokos. Our Lady sacrificed much to give birth to Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity - Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ, to raise Him, and to be with Him during His ministry, His crucifixion, and His resurrection.