Today we commemorate the falling asleep of the Theotokos – or perhaps more correctly the “apotheosis” of the Theotokos. I use “apotheosis” knowing well that it is a term often associated with Greek and Roman Paganism, however many aspects of the traditional Dormition narraitve paralells imagery of such apotheosis “narratives” as that of Antoninus Pius and Faustina in Rome. The figure, shadow, or soul of the demised is carried aloft into heaven by the gods. There they join the society of the divine – having become divine (or semi-divine) themselves.

The Old Testament gives us similar ideas – Enoch, and Elijah for example are taken up without ever facing Death. Curiously – the Ethiopian version of the Dormition narrative has Mary ask if she will face Death, to which Christ says she must at least look upon him in all his horror – because she is created. Hmmm. . . . so, erm . . . what about Enoch and Elijah eh? . . .

Moving switfly on . . .

Mary looks upon Death and Jesus “catches” her soul and carries her into Paradise. The upper 2/3 of the traditional icon has some striking parallels to the imagery found on for example the column of Antoninus Pius & Faustina, the apotheosis of Sabina, and an ivory plaque of the apotheosis of a philosopher (sorry can’t find a convenient pic of this one).

So what does this all say about us? Well for starters it is Mary who is closely associated with our idea of “theosis” and the spiritual disciplines one develops and practices to achieve theosis throughout life. In her case it was her practice of philosophy – her asceticism – before asceticism became “possible” (as late antique writers such as St. Athanasius often noted) – a feat in itself – that set into motion her preparations for the Annunciation. In short she was the “first” and she points the way. Through her example we are all able to strive toward and achieve theosis. She is the one, who “unlocks” Paradise for us all (Proklos Hom. 4.1). The Dormition then might be best described as Mary’s apotheosis – and her empowering our own.