We behold in this Icon the "Mother of Life" being transferred to life by her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Since she is the Mother of God, it was right that He Who dweit in the womb of the Ever-virgin should take her to Himself in her falling asleep. The Apostles are painted surrounding the Mother of God. Behind them is the figure of Christ. He holds in His left arm a small child clothed in white garments and crowned with a halo. This is the luminous soul of Mary which He receives at the moment of death. The multitude of Angels present at the Dormition forms an outer border around Christ. Also present are the six-winged Seraphim. The Icon of the Dormition gives us a picture of Christian death. We find our salvation in Jesus Christ Who raises to life all who believe in Him.
The Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God is celebrated on August 15. Through her womb, heaven and earth were joined together. Through her, all mankind has been reborn. Her death and burial show us the completion of God's plan for all mankind. The Feast celebrates the Mother of God as the Mother of Life. In powerful imagery and poetic verse, the Matin Hymns of the Feast relate this mystery:
At the all-powerful command, the assembly of the Apostles from the ends of the earth, and the mulitude of Angels from on high made haste to Zion, there to minister in fitting manner at your burial, O Lady. The gates of heaven were opened wide and the Angels sang as Christ received the virgin-treasure of His own Mother. Cherubim withdrew before you in your exultation while Seraphim glorified you in your joy.
We remember the death and burial of the Mother of God, and we celebrate her resurrection and ascension.
The Icon of the Dormition represents the Virgin lying on her deathbed, surrounded by the Apostles, with Christ in glory receiving her soul into His arms. All hints of black sorrow are overcome by a certain colorful sobriety. This mood is explained in the words of the Kontakion of the Feast:
The grave and death did not detain the Mother of God who prays perpetually, and is our unfailing hope in her intercession; for He Who dwelt in the womb of the Ever-virgin transferred to life the Mother of Life.
