Fast for the Dormition of the Mother of God - from August 14 to 27 (old calendar) With this fast, the Church calls us to imitate the Mother of God, who, before her resettlement to heaven, was unceasingly in fasting and prayer. It is a custom for Orthodox Christians to pray the Akathist of the Theotokos each day in their homes during the Dormition fast. 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.