The Dormition Fast begins today …
The Dormition Fast begins today, lasting from August 1 until the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos on August 15th.
August 1st is also the day of the Procession of the Honorable Wood of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord (First of the three “Feasts of the Savior” in August).
Because of the illnesses which occur during the month of August, it was customary at Constantinople to carry the Precious Wood of the Cross in procession throughout the city for its sanctification and to deliver it from sickness. From August 1 until the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, there was a procession throughout the entire the city, and then the Cross was placed where all the people could venerate it.