Tropar (t. 1) In childbirth, O Godbearer, you remained a Virgin, * and in your Dormition you did not forsake the world. * For you who are the Mother of Life, * have been transferred to life, * and by your prayers you deliver our souls form death.
Kondak (t. 2) The grave and death did not detain the Mother of God. * She prays perpetually and is our unfailing hope of intercession; * for He who dwelt in the womb of the ever-Virgin, * transferred to life the Mother of Life.
Prokimenon (t. 3) My soul glorifies the Lord; * and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.
verse: He has considered the lowliness of His handmaid, and therefore all generations shall cal me blessed.
Epistle Philippians 2:5-11
Alleluia (t. 8) Ascend to Your resting place, O Lord, You and the ark of Your majesty.
verse: The Lord made an oath to David; a promise from which He will not withdraw.
Gospel Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28
Hymn to the Mother of God The angels watched as the most pure Virgin fell asleep, and they were awed by her rising to heaven.
(irmos) The laws of nature were surpassed by you, * for in giving birth you remained a virgin. * Your death became the preface for life. * Birth-giving Virgin! Unceasing Life! O Mother of God! * May you always bring salvation to your inheritance.
ping
I'm posting these things hoping someone will read them during this time of preparation before Dormition/Assumption.
Bump.
Sounds as if the more common custom is blessing the grapes on the Feast of the Transfiguration -- which I've never heard of. Do you know anything about this? Maybe specific to some localities where it harmonizes with the growing/harvest season for grapes?
We have the custom of blessing flowers on the feast of the Dormition.
In any case, I have a feeling grapes and flowers will be on my shopping list for the 15th!