The celebrations for the Feast of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos commenced with the Hierarchical Vespers Service at the Church of the Annunciation in West Perth on Wednesday, 14 August 2024.
The service was presided over by Bishop Elpidios of Perth and assisted by the clergy of the Diocese of Perth.
A bilingual homily was delivered by Bishop Elpidios that focused on:
- The vital role that mothers play in the life of each person starting from the moment of our conception.
- The Holy Theotokos as being not only our role model but also the supreme Mother of all.
Bishop Elpidios also gave a brief explanation on the Doxastikon of the Stichera which is a poetic and theological passage chanted in all eight tones. Such hymns are inspiring and uplifting and can easily be considered masterpieces not only of church music but also of world music literature.
This hymn allows us to marvel at the wondrous paradox of the Virgin Mary’s dormition. At the same time, we see that although our Lady is separating from us and ascending to Heaven, at the same time she does not stop interceding for all humanity. This is clearly emphasised in the Apolytikon of the Feast Day: “You fell asleep in death, yet you did not abandon the world, O Theotokos”.
On Thursday, 15 August, the main day of the Great Feast Day of the Mother of God, Bishop Elpidios of Perth presided over the Divine Liturgy which took place at the same church in which the message of Archbishop Makarios of Australia was read relating to the Feast of the Dormition.
