Feast of the Ascension of Saint Mary
August, 2022
On the blessed day of the departure of Holy Saint Mary, the apostles tended her body and carried it to Gethsemane for burial. but the Jews blocked their way and even attempted to take and burn it to ashes for she wouldn’t rise and ascend like her Beloved Son our Lord Jesus Christ.
Saint Gabriel was sent by GOD to take away the body of holy Mother in glory to the Heaven. Then Saint Mary’s body to was taken to Heaven, escorted by Saint John where it was rested under the Tree of Life. This being the reason for their prayers and fasting till they saw her body. Soon after, they buried her on Sunday and on Tuesday, three days later, the Virgin Mary rose from the dead, just as CHRIST had resurrected.
He who was chosen to see her ascension was Saint Thomas the Apostle whom was not present at her departure for he was on preaching in diocese of India. Whilst he was travelling back to Jerusalem on a cloud, he met Saint Mary while ascending. Saint Thomas then said to her, “I was not chosen to see your SON’s ascension in Glory, nor was I to witness yours. How sinful I am!” But She told him that he was the first to see Her ascending, and gave him the garment (also known as Megnez or Seben in Ge’ez) with which her rested body was covered as a token. That filled him with grace and ecstasy.
Saint Thomas went to the disciples and they told him about Saint Mary’s departure. But he didn’t; informed them about her ascension. “You know how I conducted myself at the resurrection of the LORD CHRIST, and I will not believe unless I see her body.” So they decided to go to the tomb, and dug in search of the bod, but did the grave empty. They were all shocked and astonished. Then, Saint Thomas told about her assumption and showed them the garment witness for his word. So, they all believed the apostle.
But they also became eager witness, her ascension and so one year later they started fasting and praying starting from August 7. After 15 days of fasting they saw Saint Mary with her beloved SON, JESUS. On that day, JESUS CHRIST performed the Divine Liturgy designating Saint Peter as assistant priest and Deacon Stephen (coming from heaven) as an arch deacon, and the Holy Qurban (Communion). Then, HE ordered the apostles to preach and witness the resurrection and assumption of His Mother throughout the world.
May Her intercession and blessings be with us now and forever. Amen.
Source: Ethiopic Synaxarium, on Nehasie 16 (Agust 22)