August 31: What the Feast of the Falling Asleep of the Most Holy Theotokos Means.

According to inkorr.com: On August 31, Orthodox believers celebrate an important event - the Falling Asleep of the Most Holy Theotokos. This feast symbolizes deep reverence for the Theotokos and her intercession.

The magazine 'Glavkom' offers information about religious holidays, their origins, traditions, and beliefs on August 31, 2025.

Contents

• Religious Holidays and Their History
• Prayers of the Day
• Folk Beliefs and Signs

Religious Holidays and Their History

The Falling Asleep of the Most Holy Theotokos

On August 31, Christians celebrate the Falling Asleep of the Most Holy Theotokos. According to church legends, the Apostle Thomas visited Gethsemane after the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. During her ascension, he witnessed this moment and received the belt from the Theotokos, which he brought to the other apostles as proof of her Ascension.

For centuries, the Belt has been kept in Constantinople, performing miracles and helping believers in their troubles. This feast serves as a reminder of the maternal love and protection of the Theotokos, which she provides to all who turn to her.

Prayers of the Day

Prayer for the Falling Asleep of the Most Holy Theotokos

O Most Holy Lady Theotokos, You who protect the whole world with Your heavenly power and love! We humbly approach You in faith and pray before Your precious Belt, which brings healing and protection. Pray for us, sinners, before Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Grant us peace of soul, protect us from all evil and misfortune, and guide us on the path of salvation. Grant us mercy and help in our illnesses, and be our unwavering Intercessor. Amen.

Folk Beliefs and Signs

According to folk beliefs, August 31 is the last day of summer, and nature prepares for the arrival of autumn. It is important to pay attention to weather conditions on this day, as they may provide clues about the further development of weather.

• If the cranes have already migrated to warm lands, it indicates an early and cold winter.
• Morning fog that quickly dissipates - for clear and dry weather.
• If the wind blows from the south, autumn promises to be warm.
• The absence of rain on August 31 predicts a warm autumn.

The Falling Asleep of the Most Holy Theotokos is an important feast for Orthodox Christians, reflecting their worship and faith in the intercession of the Theotokos. This day is filled with legends about the Blessed Belt, which provides protection and help to believers. The folk beliefs accompanying this feast also offer the possibility of predicting the weather based on certain signs.