Shunoyo Fast – Dormition Fast I 15 days Fast (Aug 1 to Aug 15)

­We are approaching the Fast of Fifteen days, that culminates with the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Mother of God), known is the West under the name of the Assumption of St. Mary, (assuming of the body and soul of the Virgin Mary into Heaven by God). This feast is called by our Church as Shunoyo (Syriac) meaning departure of the soul of Blessed Virgin Mary. Shunoyo fast is an ancient, canonical fast, approved and granted down through the ancient Councils in all the ancient Churches, observed in the memory of St. Mary. In the weekly cycle Wednesdays are set apart for the veneration of St. Mary.

Shunoyo Fast is the mandatory one in connection with Virgin Mary’s death and translation to paradise. This Fast emphasizes Ever Blessed Virgin’s role of God’s salvation of the world making all her life wonderful and exemplary.

St. Symeon of Thessalonica writes, “The fast in August [Dormition fast] was established in honor of the Mother of God the Word; Who, foreknowing her repose, ascetically labored and fasted for us as always, although she was holy and had no need for fasting. But, she especially prayed for us in preparation for being transported from this life to the future life, when her blessed soul would be united through the Divine spirit with her Son. Therefore, we also should fast and praise her, emulating our life, urging her thereby to pray for us. The two feasts—the Transfiguration and the Dormition. are connected to remember these two feasts—one which gives us light, and the other seeking mercy and intercedes for us.”

We Orthodox observe this fast, to honor Blessed Virgin Mary, imitating her spiritual example, spiritually preparing for the Feast of the Dormition, to remember the Virgin Mary, whom the church views as the highest example of humility, obedience, and love for God. Fasting helps believers try to live a life like Mary, turning away from physical desires to focus more on spiritual health. Preparing for death and hope: The feast celebrates life over death. Reflecting on Mary’s peaceful passing helps Christians prepare for their own mortality with faith and hope in Christ.

Our Church commemorates on this day her death, burial, and departure of her soul to heaven, and is expressed as Vaangippu, (repose, falling asleep). The sacred Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos marks her repose, which was followed by the translation of her sacred body three days later into heaven. This feast, therefore, marks her soul being commended into her Son’s hands and the short sojourn of her body in the tomb.

The spiritual fasts are closely united with the body, just as our soul is united with the body, penetrating it, enlivening it, and makes one united whole with it, as the soul and body make one living human being. Therefore, in fasting bodily we must at the same time fast spiritually: “Brothers, in fasting bodily let us also fast spiritually, severing all union with unrighteousness,” Christ enjoins us with the Holy Church.

The Dormition Fast honors and follows the example of the Theotokos, who chose to open herself to God’s will, and continually points the faithful to Christ. Inspired by her, we need to fast to help us draw nearer to God, and to open ourselves up to be transfigured in His image and likeness. Focussing on God’s abundant love and mercy as the Theotokos had, increased prayer, spiritual reflection, and Scripture reading, acts of mercy, charity, compassion and almsgiving, attendance at church services, to the Theotokos and confession of our sins.

Let this fast not be a burden, not a punishment, but a gift of God’s grace.” The Church calls us to embrace this discipline with hearts full of anticipation for what God wishes to accomplish in us and through us. Fasting and prayers are observed to enable the weak, and the sinful to prepare and present themselves unto the mighty, divine presence and holiness of the Almighty God. Fasts and Lent are periods of fasting and prayer prescribed by the Church, so that we enter the Kingdom of God. Like all fasts and Lent, this Fast, offers us another opportunity and tool to draw closer to our Lord, and it prepares us for the feast of Shunoyo. Fasting, is nothing but feasting with the LORD.

Fasts and Lent is the time for us to get ready and right for God. Too often our attitude toward Fasts and Lent is one of doom and gloom. While we are called to examine our lives and repent of our sin, the proper attitude toward Fasts. Fasting is a healthy, vigorous positive and active way to take part in the spiritual battle and run forward in the way that leads to eternal life. Let us be humbled to be in the church that praise the glory of the mother God.

Mary is really the best pointer to our Lord. She herself is the perfect model for the submission before the will of God. In St. Mary we find a perfect model for our life, what to improve, What to imitate and what to hold fast to.  

Let us all observe the Fast of our Church. Let us all fast with spirit of humility, acts of love, discipline of mind and strengthened by prayers, so that we can walk towards our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.