The Dormition is one of the most beloved and significant feasts of the Orthodox Church. The three great Lavras in Ukraine – Kiev Caves, Pochaev, and Svyatogorsk ‒ are dedicated to the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. Likewise, more churches and monasteries in Rus’ were dedicated to this event than to any other. In the Florida Gethsemane – the Church of our Lady of Pochaev in North Port ‒ the great feast of the Dormition is celebrated with special trepidation and solemnity.

On the eve of the feast, the monastic brethren and parishioners, including Matushka Melana and Irina Levitsky, under the direction of Hieromonk Arkadii (Polishchuk; parish cleric), adorned the church and the shroud of the Mother of God. The shroud is a special depiction of the Most Holy Theotokos resting on her deathbed. Usually, it is painted on an icon with a large fabric border.

Fr. Arkadii officiated the All-Night Vigil, co-served by Deacon Alexander Kharitoniuk (parish cleric). The litia was performed during the service, during which were blessed the loaves of bread, wine, and oil. Matins was served according to the tradition of the Kiev Caves Lavra, with the Rite of the Burial of the Mother of God (Lamentations). This is an ancient Jerusalemite tradition, when the verses of the 17th Kathisma are sung by the choir, while special verses for the burial of the Theotokos are read by the priest. These verses speak lovingly and piously of the translation of the Most Holy Theotokos from this world to the Jerusalem on High, of the sorrow of the apostles, and of the promise of the Theotokos to always be near to the faithful.

After the Lamentations following the Polyeleos, the anointing with holy oil, and the canon – the most important part of the All-Night Vigil. At the end of the canon, the monastic brethren – the rector, Archimandrite Stefan (Khilchuk), Fr. Arkadii, and Hierodeacon Paisius (Alexeevets) ‒ sang the exapostilarion: " O ye apostles having gathered here" to the melody of the Kiev Caves Lavra.

On the very day of the feast, Fr. Stefan celebrated Divine Liturgy, co-served by Frs. Paisius and Alexander. Fr. Arkadii heard confessions and sang on kliros. Specially adorning the divine service was the beautiful singing of the choir, under the direction of conductor Natalia Klyusov.

After Liturgy, Fr. Stefan addressed the faithful with words of greeting, wishing them the protection of the Most Holy Theotokos and a blessed dormition in the Lord, in righteousness and faith.

The feast concluded with a festal luncheon and fellowship.