“Let us entrust our families, our children and young people, our parents and the elderly, the sick and the lonely, our homes, our journeys, our worries, our trials, and all our needs to the Mother of God,” Bishop Macarie of Northern Europe said in a message marking the beginning of the Dormition Fast.
The bishop encouraged the faithful to read the Supplicatory Canon (Paraklesis) to the Mother of God at home or to participate in the Church services during which this prayer will be chanted throughout the fasting period.
“I urge you that every evening we gather in our churches and in our homes to read the Supplicatory Canon to the Mother of God, asking the Most Holy Theotokos to be our protector, our intercessor, our strength in times of trial, and our guide to her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,” His Grace said.
“During this fast, let us ask the Mother of God to teach us the silence that purifies us, the humility that lifts us up, the obedience that gives birth to peace, and self-sacrificial love. May she help us also to carry Christ in our hearts and bear witness to Him through a life that is pure, peaceful, and merciful.”
Prayers Are Heard
The bishop assured the faithful that every prayer offered to the Mother of God is heard.
“Let us place ourselves humbly beneath her holy Protecting Veil, trusting that no tear shed before her icon and no prayer offered in faith remains unheard.”
He also urged believers “not to regard the fast merely as abstinence from certain foods, but as a call to purify the heart.”
“Let us fast not only with our bodies, but also with our thoughts, our eyes, our words, and all our senses. Let us guard ourselves against judging our neighbour, against anger, malice, and words that wound. Let us forgive, be reconciled, pray more fervently, and draw near with love to those who are lonely, sick, grieving, or in need.”
Bishop Macarie concluded his message by offering his blessings and best wishes to all the faithful observing the Dormition Fast.
The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church designated 2026 as the Solemn Year of the Pastoral Care of Christian Families.
Photo: Diocese of Northern Europe
