The Church year extends from the Nativity to the Dormition of the Theotokos, just as does human life from sunrise to sunset. But, in comparison with the Light of God's Kingdom we call the time of this life night, because“now we see through a glass, DARKLY; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity”(I Corinthians 13:12­13).

Those who through faith in God, through hope in salvation and through Christ's love have sanctified their life, after death enter into light and are glorified as saints. The most holy Theotokos was informed by the Archangel Gabriel of the time of her translation from earthy to heavenly life. Around her bed, the holy Apostles were gathered in a miraculous manner from the most remote parts, in order to receive a blessing from her who "had deified the human race" (St. Gregory Palamas).

Christ Himself, surrounded by the heavenly powers, by the forefathers and prophets, came to receive the immaculate soul of His Mother. On the third day, by God's Providence, upon opening the tomb, the Apostles understood that the immaculate body of the Theotokos had also been borne up to heaven. On that same day, the Mother of God herself appeared to the Apostles, who had gathered at table, and said: "Rejoice! I am with you always!"

She became a mother for all people when at the Cross of her Son she reconciled in her heart the saving will of God with the sinful, crucifying will of man. Filled to overflowing with His love, the all­merciful Mistress even today washes away our sins with tears. Enlighten us with the light of Thy Son, O Mother of the Light, so that our life would extend not to the shadow of death, but to the Kingdom of Light. Raise up our prayer to the heavenly Father: "Thou art the true Light, enlightening and sanctifying all things, and all creation doth hymn Thee unto the ages of ages. Amen".

("The Gates of the Kingdom",Moscow)