The Assumption

<p>The Assumption of the Virgin Mary celebrates her being 'assumed' (taken up body and soul) into heaven at the end of her earthly life. It began as a feast day in the Eastern Church after the Council of Ephesus (431) proclaimed Mary the Mother of God. By the 6th century, the feast celebrated Mary's <em>Dormition</em>, her 'falling asleep,' meaning her death; there are several ancient icons of the <em>Dormition</em>. The Western Church began to celebrate this feast around 650.<br /></p>
<p>©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong&gt;. Reprinted with permission.</p>