The Assumption

Who made the icon of the Assumption?

Brother Claude

What writing tells the story of Mary's Assumption?

De Transitu Virginis by St. Melito Sardis

What is Mary's Assumption a sign of?

Hope that we too can get to Heaven

Why is this feast celebrated? When is it?

It is part of Church Tradition and is the principal feast of Mary; August 15

Explain how it happened.

Jesus and the Apostles came and prayed with Mary until she died. Thomas arrived late and saw Mary rising. She gave him her belt as a sign. She showed it to the Apostles. They looked into the sarcophagus and found flowers.

Explain the icon.

Mary is being carried into heaven by an angel. She has a mandorla, which is a symbol of Heaven. She is wearing a blue chiton and a homophorin. Three stars on the cloak symbolize perpetual virginity. The chair is in inverse perspective to draw viewers to the scene. Greek letters abbreviate "Mother of God". Thomas portrays a hasty arrival and is in awe of the scene. The empty sarcophagus with flowers shows that Jesus is unwilling to let His Mother decay.

How is the Assumption different from the Ascension?

Mary was assumed by the power of God; Jesus was ascended because He is God

What is the Assumption?

When Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven. She did not decay because she is without Original Sin.