What role does prayer and communication with God play in human life? For the average individual, this is a kind of lifeline, a straw, for which we grab at difficult times, when all other possibilities have been exhausted. And for a person who believes in moments of prayer, an exchange of energetics takes place - a common religious egregore and his own. After all, turning to God or saints, on the one hand, he puts his whole soul, heart heat into his words. On the other hand, it absorbs the meaning inherent in prayer texts, many of which have been around for centuries. And what they say about is gradually entering consciousness, becoming necessary, fundamentally changing both life itself and its attitude to it. This is the growth and formation of spirituality.
Feast of the Assumption
How is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin connected with all this? Prayer addressed to the Mother of God is always strong. And connected precisely with this event, it also gives great bright hope to people. Assumption is death, burial. But the Christian attitude towards it is devoid of that drama, that tragedy principle, which is inherent in people of an atheistic orientation. If death for an unbeliever is the end of everything, the complete destruction of a person, without return, then for a Christian everything looks different. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the prayer of which is similar, as stated in the theological books, to the “beautiful wreath of praise”, is an example of such a special attitude. On the one hand, the death of the Virgin Mary filled the hearts of those around her with grief, loved her, was near after the death of Jesus. On the other, they rejoiced for her, for now the suffering Mother was reunited with her beloved Son. In addition, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a prayer in her honor is also a glorification of eternal life in Christ, recognition of the corruption of the flesh and the immortality of the soul. Therefore, the holiday is considered joyful, bright, and the sadness inherent in it is painted in soft colors. It is celebrated by both Catholics and Orthodox. In Russia it is considered one of the main church celebrations.
Solemn Praise
At the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a prayer, or rather, an akathist, uttered by believers and at services, sounds something like this: “chosen from all genera (that is, from all mankind), recognized by all the queen of the world and Mother, she defeated death and showed all people an example of true immortality and the power of divine powers. " Therefore, even in death, the Mother of God does not leave her flock, and all Christians continue to hope for her help. People rejoice at her, and he himself rejoices that she left the mortal earthly abode and ascended into heaven. A complete prayer, its text consists of 25 so-called “songs”: 13 praises (kondakas, end with praise to the Lord) and 12 praises, they are “yoski”, the first word in which is “rejoice”.
Celebrations in honor of the Blessed Virgin
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated on August 28 in a new style. This corresponds to the 15th of August, when compared with the old style. On this day, all Christianity recalls the righteous life of the Mother of God, her departure with the angels to the Son, glorifies them, expresses hope for salvation. Solemn services are held in large and small churches,
special services are conducted
. Believers hold posts before this event.
Pray - and the Virgin will hear you!