August 15 Greece Virgin Mary: National Holiday Honouring the Dormition.
August 15th marks a significant day in Greece and many Christian countries worldwide. It is a public holiday celebrating the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, an event of great importance in Orthodox Christianity. Greeks refer to this day as “Summer Easter“, highlighting its cultural and religious significance.
This celebration honours the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, who holds a central place in Christian tradition. The day also serves as a name day for those called Maria, one of Greece’s most common female names. While Orthodox Christians commemorate the Dormition, Catholics observe the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, reflecting slight differences in doctrine between the two branches of Christianity.
Dormition of the Virgin Mary: Greece’s 15 August Celebration
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Street festival with traditional Cretan folk dances in honour of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary in Neapoli on 14 and 15 August.
The Dormition of the Virgin Mary is a significant religious event in Greece, observed on 15 August. This day marks the passing of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, and her subsequent bodily assumption into heaven.
Greeks refer to this day as ‘Dekapentavgoustos’, which literally means ‘August 15th’. It is a public holiday across the nation, with banks, shops, and offices closing to honour the occasion.
Orthodox Christians prepare for this feast with a two-week fasting period. During this time, many attend special evening prayer services called Paraklesis. These services are dedicated to the Virgin Mary and include supplications for her intercession.
On the day itself, churches throughout Greece hold Divine Liturgies. The faithful gather to participate in these services, which often include:
- Matins (morning prayers)
- Vespers (evening prayers)
- Processions with icons of the Virgin Mary
One of the most famous celebrations takes place on the island of Tinos. Thousands of pilgrims flock to the Church of Panagia Evangelistria, crawling on their knees from the port to the church as an act of devotion.
Other notable observances occur in:
- Paros: At the Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani
- Amorgos: At the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa
- Mount Athos: In numerous monasteries
Many Greek towns and villages also host ‘panigiria’ – local festivals featuring traditional music, dance, and food. These celebrations blend religious devotion with cultural traditions, creating a unique atmosphere across the country.
The name ‘Mary’ is particularly significant on this day. In Greece, it’s common to celebrate name days, and 15 August is the name day for all those christened Maria or variations thereof. Friends and family often exchange gifts and well-wishes, adding to the festive spirit of the occasion.
Maria: Greece’s Most Beloved Female Name
Maria reigns as the most cherished female name in Greece. A staggering 8.3% of Greek women bear this name, equating to roughly one in twelve. This enduring popularity stems from centuries of cultural significance and religious reverence.
The name Maria holds deep connections to the Virgin Mary, a central figure in Greek Orthodox faith. While many Marias celebrate their name day on 15 August, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, others mark the occasion on different dates throughout the year:
- 25 March: Annunciation of the Holy Mary
- 21 November: Presentation of Mary
- 8 September: Nativity of Mary
The 15th of August is not only a significant religious holiday but also a joyous occasion for many Greek families. Beyond Maria, several related names are honoured on this day:
Name |
Gender |
|---|---|
Marios |
Male |
Panagiotis |
Male |
Panagiota |
Female |
Despoina |
Female |
Parthena |
Female |
This wide-ranging celebration highlights the deep-rooted cultural importance of the Virgin Mary in Greek society. It’s a day filled with festive gatherings, special meals, and traditional customs. Families often prepare koulouria (biscuits) and share glasses of retsina (Greek white or rosé wine).
Common Questions About 15th August in Greece
What is the importance of 15th August in Greece?
15th August marks a significant religious holiday in Greece called the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. It’s a public holiday and one of the most important feast days in the Greek Orthodox calendar. Many Greeks attend church services and gather with family on this day.
How does the Greek Orthodox Church honour the Virgin Mary on 15th August?
The Greek Orthodox Church conducts special services on 15th August to commemorate the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. Churches hold all-night vigils and liturgies. Priests often carry an icon of the Virgin Mary in procession around the church or through town streets.
Which prayers are said on the Virgin Mary’s Feast Day in Greece?
While specific prayers vary, common ones include:
- The Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos
- The Paraklesis (Supplication) to the Theotokos
- Various troparia and kontakia dedicated to the Virgin Mary
Which name day is observed in Greece on 15th August?
The name day for Maria, Greece’s most popular female name, is celebrated on 15th August. People named Maria, Mary, Mario, and other variations receive well-wishes and often host gatherings for friends and family.
What typical festivities occur in Greece on 15th August?
Common festivities include:
- Religious processions
- Family gatherings and feasts
- Local fairs (panigyria) with food, music and dancing
- Pilgrimages to churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary
What public events happen in Athens on 15th August?
While Athens is quieter as many residents leave for holidays, some events include:
- Church services at major cathedrals
- A naval parade at the port of Piraeus
- Cultural performances in some neighbourhoods
- Reduced public transport schedules due to the holiday
