Dormition of the Theotokos Icon - F130

This famous 15th century Russian icon portrays the Dormition (falling asleep) of the Most Holy Theotokos and the Virgin Mary. Christ takes her pure soul from her body as the Apostles gather from all over earth to say farewell to an earthly life here with us. She was between 65 and 70 when she died.

By Divine Providence her body was taken to heaven three days later, and tradition says she died a painless natural death. The Holy Apostle Thomas, who was absent from the burial, was brought by angels after the Virgin had been buried. In his sadness, the tomb was opened by his request so he could bid his tender and respectful farewell and it was then discovered that the tomb was empty.