Akathist Hymn for the Dormition of the Theotokos (August 15th/28th)

The Dormition ("falling asleep") of Mary, the Mother of God is the main feast-day of the Blessed Virgin as it commemorates her bodily death and thus the entrance of her soul into Paradise (most Saints are celebrated on the anniversary of their death where this is known).

An Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God in honour of this feast can be downloaded below (pdf):

Akathist to the Theotokos (Dormition).pd

Download PD • 350KB

In the West, this feast is also known as the Feast of the "Assumption of Mary"; the assumption refers to the belief that Mary was taken up bodily into Heaven. In the Orthodox Faith this is also believed and referred to in Kontakion III of the above Akathist. However, it is emphasized that the Mother of God did indeed die bodily, just like we all will. The assumption of Mary's remains is a sign of hope for all of us as to what awaits pious Christians, and not something "special" reserved for the Mother of God alone.

More about the Feast of the Dormition (external site; OCA.org)