On Tuesday August 15, we celebrated the Feast of the The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary in parishes across the diocese. The words of the Troparion captures the hearts of all Christians: 

In giving birth you preserved your virginity, / in falling asleep you did not forsake the world, O Theotokos. / You were translated to life, O Mother of Life, / and by your prayers, you deliver our souls from death.

Prayers and greetings go out particularly to the faithful of the Pittsburgh South parish, as they celebrate their altar feast this day. As with the tradition practiced by many Orthodox faithful around the world, the community blessed seasonal flowers as part of the liturgical services.

NOTE: The other parish in the diocese that is dedicated to this feast, located in Central City, follows the revised Julian ("Old Style") calendar and will be celebrating on August 28.