[Kolokotronis]

"Must have gotten started somewhere before the SPLIT."

Oh yes, long before. The celebration of the Dormition of the Theotokos started in the 7th century at the latest, long before the Great Schism. Writings about her death go back as far as the 3rd or 4th century. St. John of Damascus, one of the Fathers of The Church, wrote three magnificent sermons on her dormition in the 7th or 8th century. Here's a link to his first one:

http://full-of-grace-and-truth.blogspot.com/2009/08/on-dormition-of-theotokos-by-st-john-of.html

The Holy Traditions surrounding the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos have been around for a very long time. It is only really within the last 175 years or so that there has been much controversy about it so far as I know.

[kinsman redeemer]

The Holy Traditions surrounding the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos have been around for a very long time.

Who knows what the "official" version is (Who cares?) But here's an interesting outtake from THIS SITE.

Once, when She [Mary. In this article, they capitalize her name and all pronouns that refer to her.] went to the Mount of Olives to pray, Archangel Gabriel appeared and spoke of Her approaching departure from this world. Upon returning home, She told Apostle John all that the Archangel had said to Her and started preparing Herself for Her final day on earth. Friends and relatives gathered, and eleven of the apostles were miraculously transported from various parts of the world to Her deathbed. They were all amazed to see each other there. When Apostle John explained that the Mother of God would soon be departing this world, they understood why God had brought them together and became sad. But She comforted them, saying: “Do not cry and darken My happiness with your sadness. I am going to My Son and your God, and you will bury My body and return each to your work.” As the time of Her death neared, the room shone with a divine light, the roof disappeared, and a wondrous sight appeared before all: the Lord Jesus Christ descended from heaven surrounded by many angels. All looked upon this wondrous sight with awe and reverence, and when they approached Her bed, the holy body of the Mother of God shone radiantly, and a fragrance of incense pervaded the room.

Oh! My!