Encyclical on the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos 2024
Bishop Philaretos of Western Europe
To the Faithful of the Diocese of Western Europe
Beloved children in Christ,
As we gather once again in reverence and love to commemorate the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, I address you with words of encouragement, faith, and hope. Today, we celebrate the falling asleep of the Mother of God, who, though She passed from this life, remains ever-present with us, Her children, in our struggles for true and holy Orthodoxy. The Dormition of the Theotokos is not merely a historical event, but a living mystery that continues to nourish and strengthen the Church. The Theotokos, having been assumed into Heaven, has not abandoned us. On the contrary, she intercedes for us unceasingly before the throne of Her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Her Dormition is a testimony to the fact that She is more alive than ever in the Kingdom of God, and Her maternal care and protection extend to all who call upon Her in faith. In these times of trial and challenge, when the purity of our holy Orthodox faith is under threat from the influences of the world, we must look to the Theotokos as our unfailing guide and protector. She who held the Word of God in Her womb and brought Him forth into the world stands with us in our defense of true Orthodoxy -the word for this fallen world. Her life, Her humility, Her obedience, and Her unwavering faith are the model for all who seek to live according to the Gospel of Christ. The Mother of God is not distant from us; She is intimately involved in our lives. She knows the struggles of our hearts, the temptations we face, and the persecutions we endure. Just as She stood by the Cross of her Son, sharing in His sufferings, so too does She stand by each of us in our own trials. She strengthens us with Her prayers, comforts us with Her love, and guides us with Her wisdom. Let us, therefore, turn to Her with renewed devotion, asking Her to intercede for us and for the entire Church. Let us ask Her to protect us from all heresies, schisms, and temptations that seek to undermine the true faith. Let us strive to imitate Her virtues, especially Her humility, purity, and obedience to the will of God. As we honor the Dormition of the Theotokos, let us also reaffirm our commitment to the preservation of holy Orthodoxy. In these days, when the truth of our faith is often obscured by the darkness of this world, we must be vigilant, courageous, and steadfast. The Theotokos is with us, and with her help, we will remain faithful to the end. May the Most Holy Theotokos, Who was taken from this life and exalted in glory, intercede for all of us, Her spiritual children, and for the entire Church. Through Her prayers, may we be granted the strength to persevere in our holy faith and to walk the path of true Orthodoxy.
With paternal love and wishing every blessing through the Most Holy Theotokos,
+Bishop Philaretos of Pallini and Western Europe
