Forefeast of the Dormition of the Mother of God

Commemorated on August 14.

The Troparion of the Forefeast invites us to gather on this day in gladness, for the Theotokos is about to depart from earth to heaven.

Troparion

Dance with joy, O peoples!
Clap your hands with gladness!
Gather today with fervor and jubilation;
sing with exultation.
The Mother of God is about to rise in glory,
ascending from earth to heaven.
We ceaselessly praise her in song as truly Theotokos.

Kontakion

Today the universe dances with joy at your glorious memorial,
and cries out to you, O Mother of God:
“Rejoice, O Virgin, pride of Christians!”