Three homilies by St John of Damascus on the Dormition

01 September 2010

We have added to the patristic texts library three homilies on the Dormition of the Mother of God by St John of Damascus (c. 676–749). These homilies form an important and revealing reflection on the falling asleep of the Theotokos, and how this feast is connected to her birth, entry into the Temple, life and service to God. "O how does the source of life pass through death to life? O how can she obey the law of nature, who, in conceiving, surpasses the boundaries of nature? How is her spotless body made subject to death? In order to be clothed with immortality she must first put off mortality, since the Lord of nature did not reject the penalty of death..." Click here for homily 1, homily 2, and homily 3.