Shunoyo Fast – Fast of Assumption 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 lent is an ancient, canonical lent, 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 lent 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.
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.
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. Lents are periods of fasting and prayer prescribed by the Church, so that we enter the Kingdom of God. Like all fasts, this lent, offers us another opportunity and tool to draw closer to our Lord, and it prepares us for the feast of Shoonoyo. Fasting, is nothing but feasting with the LORD.
Lent is the time for us to get ready and right for God. Too often our attitude toward Lent is one of doom and gloom. While we are called to examine our lives and repent of our sin, the proper attitude toward Lent. Fasting during Lent 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.
Let us join the Angels who extolled her as the one who received Grace from God.
Let us join with Elizabeth to praise her as the blessed among the women.
Let us enrich us with the Holy Spirit that taught Elizabeth to call Mary, Mother of 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 Lent 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.
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