Icon of Dormtion of the Theotokos, 13th Century

The Dormition fast from August 14/1 - August 27/14 was established as preceding the great feasts of the Transfiguration of the Lord and of the Dormition of the Mother of God - one which gives us light, and the other which is merciful to us and intercedes for us.”

St. Symeon of Thessalonica writes that, “The Dormition fast was established in honor of the Mother of God the Word; Who, foreknowing Her repose, ascetically labored and fasted for us as always, although She was holy and immaculate, and had no need for fasting. Thus, She especially prayed for us in preparation for being transported from this life to the future life, when Her blessed soul would be united through the Divine spirit with Her Son. Therefore, we also should fast and praise Her, emulating Her life, urging Her thereby to pray for us.