Culture

August 15 or Dekapentavgoustos (Δεκαπενταύγουστος) is one of the most important dates in the Greek Orthodox Calendar, as the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos is celebrated. It is a national and religious holiday that marks the “falling asleep” of the Mother of God. The Feast also commemorates the Assumption of the body of the Theotokos into heaven.

A Great Vespers is held the evening before the Feast, and on the day of the Feast, it is celebrated with the Divine Liturgy. Greeks around the world celebrate “Summer Easter,” as the Dormition of the Virgin Mary is called in Greek popular tradition.

This significant religious celebration transforms Greece across its entire breadth into one big church festival, as there isn’t a corner of this country or of its many islands that does not have a church or even a humble Chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. And it is nothing but a blessing that millions of tourists also join the celebrations every year.

In celebration of this special day, Oakleigh Grammar selected students attended the Divine Liturgy at the Parish of Sts Anargiri in Oakleigh. 

Congratulations to the students who represented proudly the school community on this special religious celebration.

Natasha Spanos

Hellenic Culture Coordinator