Assumption of the Holy Virgin

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) celebrates the Dormition and Assumption of the Theotokos on Nehassie 16, which falls in August every year. In the EOTC tradition, the Holy Virgin reposed on Tir 21 (January) at the age of 64, around 49 A.D. Her body was then buried by the holy apostles in Gethsemane. However, it was later taken from the grave by the holy angels and placed beneath the Tree of Life in heaven, as witnessed by St. John the Evangelist.

Upon his return, the Evangelist John informed the apostles that the Holy Virgin's body was in heaven. In response, the apostles decided to fast and pray in anticipation of witnessing this miraculous event. They began their fasting and prayers on Nehassie 1. On Nehassie 14, Jesus brought the Holy Virgin's body to them, and she was buried on the same day. On the third day, Nehassie 16, she ascended to heaven amid the glory, praise, and songs of the angels.

The resurrection and ascension of the Holy Virgin were first revealed to the Apostle Thomas. While St. Thomas was being carried through a cloud from his diocese to Jerusalem, he encountered the Virgin Mary ascending to heaven after rising from the dead through the power of her Son. During this encounter, she blessed him and gave him a witness cloth called “Seben.”

When Thomas reunited with the other apostles, he asked them what had happened. They told him that they had found and buried the Holy Virgin's body in Gethsemane. Doubtful, Thomas questioned the sequence of events, struggling to reconcile the timing of her death and burial. Peter criticized Thomas for his hesitation, reminding him that he had also doubted the resurrection of the Lord. To confirm the truth, Thomas was advised to visit her tomb with them.

When they arrived, they found the tomb empty. Thomas then declared that the Holy Virgin had indeed risen and ascended to heaven, presenting the cloth she had given him as a witness.

Inspired by Thomas's testimony, the holy apostles, a year later, dedicated the period from Nehassie 1 to Nehassie 16 to fasting and prayer, seeking to experience a blessing similar to his. On Nehassie 16, our Lord consecrated the Holy Eucharist, using the Holy Virgin as a throne. St. Peter was appointed as the priest, with St. Stephen serving as the deacon, surrounded by the rest of the apostles. Our Lord promised to show kindness to those who commemorate our Lady, the holy virgin and give alms in her name.

The apostles rejoiced and proclaimed the message of love for the Holy Virgin as they returned to the Mount of Olives.

May God aid us through the intercession of our Lady, the Holy Virgin Mary, and may the blessings of the holy apostles be with us all. May the Holy Spirit illuminate the hearts of those who have not yet discovered the mystery and blessing of loving her. Amen, forever.