Feasts Related to Mary The Feast of the Assumption of Mary The church, on the occasion of Mary's "death", offers the greatest respect with great solemnity and rituals. While there are other feasts associated with Mary, the feast of the Assumption of Mary is a non-variable commemoration and the oldest of all those dedicated to the Holy Mother. All churches celebrate it on August 15th. The Armenian Church celebrates this feast on the nearest Sunday to the 15th of August (August 12-18), a schedule adopted at the time of St. Nersess the Graceful. Assumption is one of the five major feasts known as tabernacles and comprises a week of fasting, Navagadik, and a Memorial Day. In the early centuries the observance was for three days; but as arranged by Shnorhali, it was extended to nine days. The tradition concerning the death of the Holy Mother appears nearly identically in the traditions of all the ancient churches. The concept can be found in sacred, ancient prose and poetry. Yet, it did not become a basic teaching (doctrine) of the church until the 9th century. And it wasn't until the 12th century that the feast was titled "the Assumption." Feast of the Conception of St. Mary Although chronologically the first in the events of the Holy Mother's life, this feast entered in the church calendar relatively late and has no specific hymn of its own. Feast of the Birth of the Holy Mother of God The second feast of the Holy Mother is her birth, which is non-variable and celebrated alike by all traditional churches on September 8th. There is no information concerning her birth and, in fact, the place of her birth, whether Nazareth or Bethlehem-- nor the date. Based on the Jewish tradition of that time, it is safe to say she was between 14 and 18 years of age when the Annunciation took place. Presentation to the Temple of the Holy Mother of God The third feast of the Holy Mother of God is the Presentation to the Temple at the third year, which is non-variable and is celebrated by all the traditional churches on November 21st. The meaning of this feast is, that since Mary's parents made a vow, she was presented to the Temple at an age when she could be separated from her parents. According to tradition, she stayed there for a time and at seven was given over to the care of pious widows and maidens who lived at the Temple. One of them was the prophet Anna. After seven years, Mary became betrothed to Joseph the carpenter. The other commemorations concerning Mary's life are recorded in the Holy Gospels, and perhaps belong more to the commemorations of Christ's life, as they are an integral part of His plan of redemptive economy. They are: The Annunciation, which on one hand is part of the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy and plan, and on the other, the most important event in Mary's life. The Visit to Elizabeth, which is a celebration of Mary's maternity. The Roman Catholic Church celebrates the feast separately on July 2nd as a manifestation of God. Christ's 40th Day presentation to the Temple, which is called by some the Sanctification of St. Mary. In Jewish tradition, mothers present themselves to the temple 40 days after giving birth for purification.
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