On Sunday the 27th and Monday the 28th of August, the great feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos was greeted with special solemnity in the Gethsemane of Florida ‒ the Church of Our Lady of Pochaev in North Port.

It should be noted that, from olden times, the feast of the Dormition highly honored in Rus’. Many churches and monasteries were dedicated to this event. The Dormition service itself is marvelous and solemn. Every parishioner, as well as friends of the monastic community from other states, strove to add their mite and contribution as a gift to the Mother of God, adorning the church with flowers. Hieromonk Arkadii (Polishchuk) and his assistants demonstrated great labor and creativity in decorating the shroud of the Theotokos with flowers.

Fr. Arkadii and Deacon Alexander Kharitoniuk served the All-Night Vigil, litia, and akathist to the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. Parish rector Archimandrite Stefan (Khilchuk) celebrated Divine Liturgy, co-served by Archpriest Theodore Rastorguyev, Hierodeacon Paisius (Alexeevets), and Fr. Alexander Kharitoniuk (UOC clerics). Many parishioners and guests also prayed at the service.

In accordance with ancient Jerusalem tradition, on the evening of August 28, the Burial Rite of the Most Holy Theotokos was served. At the end of the service, Fr. Arkadii spoke about the depth of meaning of the Dormition of the Mother of God, and wished everyone God’s aid and the protection of the Most Holy Theotokos. The rector and brethren of the monastic community sincerely thank all who contributed and participated in preparing for the feast.