The Feast of the Assumption of St. Mary (Shunoyo Perunnal)

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.

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.