Address by Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan Before the Beginning of the Dormition Fast

August 13, 2023. Address by the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, before the beginning of the Dormition Fast:

Dear brothers and sisters!

The days of the Dormition Fast are approaching—a blessed time of preparation for the Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. St. Leo the Great says, "The Church fasts are so distributed through the year that special abstinence is prescribed for each season." The Dormition Fast, which sanctifies the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, is filled with gratitude to the Creator for His material and spiritual gifts and is illuminated by the joy and hope of renewing our lives through the intercession of the Queen of Heaven. The forthcoming sacred event—the Dormition of the Mother of God—urges us to reflect on the greatness and immortality of man, which he attains through union with the Lord.

How often do we, immersed in the bustle and anxiety of everyday life, lack the spiritual sensitivity to recognize the transforming power of the Divine presence in our lives? That is why this special time is given to us. The purpose of various fasting endeavors, including abstinence from food, fervent prayers, frequent visits to the church, reading of the Holy Scriptures, and acts of mercy, is to help people restore the connection with God that has been severed by sin.

How should we properly observe the Dormition Fast? Let us combine our penitential efforts with a special glorification of the Most Holy Theotokos. Communion in prayers with the Queen of Heaven, invoking Her holy name, renews our spiritual and physical strength, protects us from temptations and troubles, and strengthens us in virtues. The maternal love of the fervent Intercessor is boundless. The Most Pure Mother of God remains unceasingly with those who believe in Christ: She is with us when we do good deeds, She is with us when we help our neighbors, She is with us when we forgive and hold no grudges, She is with us when we hasten to God's temples and participate in church sacraments, especially in the Holy Eucharist, partaking of the Life-giving Mysteries of Christ.

Not only the time of fasting but every day of our lives with all its circumstances and concerns should become a school of love for God and neighbor. Acquiring the habit of reverence for the Lord and His Most Blessed Mother, we also learn to serve the people around us, manifesting faith working through love (Gal. 5:6).

Let us strive during these holy days to correct and improve our relationships with relatives and friends, overcome offenses, eradicate indifference, and conquer anger and irritation. According to the word of the Apostle Paul, let us "keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3).

May the Lord, through the prayers of the Queen of Heaven, who departed from earth and was translated to the heavenly abodes, grant us spiritual benefit in our forthcoming fasting endeavor and allow us to joyfully celebrate the great Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos.