Reflection: In the Dormition, the "wellspring of Life is laid in a tomb," and the grave itself becomes a "ladder to the heavens". Her body was not left to the vicissitudes of the transitory world but was incomparably exalted by its glorious ascent.
Practice: When you encounter a difficulty or "death" in your life today, look for how God might be using it as a ladder to draw you closer to Him.
Menaion, August 15, Vespers of the Vigil, On “Lord, I have cried…”, 8 stichera, in Tone I,
“O wondrous marvel! The wellspring of Life is laid in a tomb, and the grave becometh a ladder to the heavens! Be glad, O Gethsemane, thou holy dwelling-place of the Theotokos! O ye faithful, let us cry aloud, with Gabriel as our leader: Rejoice, O thou who art full of grace! The Lord is with thee, granting great mercy to the world through thee! Thrice
Wondrous are thy mysteries, O Theotokos! Thou hast been shown to be the throne of the Most High, O Mistress, and hast been translated from earth to heaven today. Thy glory is majestic, shining with godly miracles! O ye virgins, ascend on high with the Mother of the King! Rejoice, O thou who art full of grace! The Lord is with thee, granting great mercy to the world through thee! Thrice”
Life of the Saint, The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary - Orthodox Church in America: “O marvelous wonder! The Fount of Life is placed in the grave, and the grave doth become the ladder to Heaven...” Here at the grave of the All-Pure Virgin, these words strike deep with their original sense and grief is dispelled by joy: “Hail, Full of Grace, the Lord is with Thee, granting the world, through Thee, great mercy!”
Numerous pilgrims, having kissed the icon of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, following an ancient custom, then stoop down and go beneath it.
On the day of the Leave-taking of the feast (August 23), another solemn procession is made. On the return path, the holy burial shroud is carried by clergy led by the Archimandrite of Gethsemane.
“The sash of the Mother of God, and Her holy garb, preserved with reverence and distributed over the face of the earth in pieces, have worked miracles both in the past and at present. Her numerous icons everywhere pour forth signs and healings, and Her holy body, taken up to Heaven, bears witness to our own future life there. Her body was not left to the vicissitudes of the transitory world, but was incomparably exalted by its glorious ascent to Heaven.
The Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos is celebrated with special solemnity at Gethsemane, the place of Her burial. Nowhere else is there such sorrow of heart at the separation from the Mother of God, and nowhere else such joy, because of Her intercession for the world.”