August 2026

As we approach the month of August, we can already begin preparing for the Dormition Fast, which starts on August 1 and ends on August 15. During this fast, we honor the Most Holy Theotokos. This fast is a little stricter than the Apostles' Fast, but it is only two weeks long, and we should make every effort to observe it as faithfully as possible. Fasting is an important part of our spiritual life, helping us to grow closer to Christ through prayer, repentance, and self-discipline.

The month of August is also the last month of the Church year, with September 1 marking the beginning of the new Church year. During this month we celebrate two Great Feasts, along with the commemoration of one of the Church's greatest saints.

Following the Dormition Fast, from August 15 through August 23, we celebrate the Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God. We do not celebrate the death of the Mother of God, but rather Her Dormition—Her "falling asleep" in the Lord. At that time, according to Holy Tradition, all of the Apostles were present, with one exception—Thomas. The Church's hymns tell us of the singing of the angels and the great spiritual joy that filled Jerusalem on the day of the Dormition of the Mother of God.

For us as Orthodox Christians, the Dormition reminds us of the prayer we offer in every Divine Liturgy and service: "A Christian ending to our life, painless, blameless, peaceful, and a good defense before the dread Judgment Seat of Christ." We see in the Mother of God the perfect example of a faithful Christian. We see our own calling reflected in Her life and in Her Dormition. That is why She is so important to all of us. She is an example for us, but at the same time we know that, because She is the Mother of Christ, the Mother of God, She continually prays for us. We ask Her to be with us throughout our lives and especially at the time of our death, believing with confidence that She will intercede for us, for She is the first among the saints of the Church.

Following the Divine Liturgy on the Feast of the Dormition, the traditional Blessing of flowers and herbs will take place.

Also during this month, on August 6, we celebrate the Great Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord. Peter, James, and John accompanied Christ to Mount Tabor, where He was transfigured before them and shone with the bright, uncreated light of His divinity. They also saw Moses and the Prophet Elijah standing there and speaking with Him. Altogether there were six visible persons present. However, the Father and the Holy Spirit were also there, though invisibly present with the Lord: the Father, by His voice proclaiming, "This is My beloved Son," and the Holy Spirit shining forth in the radiant cloud. Thus, there were truly eight present, and there is no contradiction in the Church's teaching. Following the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Transfiguration, we will have the traditional Blessing of Grapes and Fruit.

Then, on August 29, we commemorate the Beheading of St. John the Baptist. Christ said that St. John was the greatest prophet "among those born of women" (Luke 7:28). Yet John, the Holy Forerunner and Baptizer of the Lord, was put to death by Herod because he preached the truth without fear. He stands as a powerful example for all of us. He lived simply, remained obedient to God, and never compromised the truth, even when it cost him his life. His witness reminds us that we, too, are called to remain faithful to Christ regardless of the challenges we may face.

As we journey through this holy month, let us embrace the opportunities the Church gives us through fasting, prayer, and worship. May we honor the Most Holy Theotokos, rejoice in Christ's Transfiguration, and imitate the faithfulness of St. John the Baptist as we prepare to begin the new Church year with renewed faith.

Fr.  Mikel

What is the proper Orthodox Church Dress Code?

1) Men should not wear hats, bandanas, shorts, sleeveless shirts, or casual footwear like flipflops.

2) Women should not wear miniskirts, spandex-tight clothing, low-cut or revealing tops (unless covered with a sweater or other garment), or casual footwear like flipflops.

3) Children should be given a little more flexibility but should still wear “church clothes” so that they know they are somewhere that is special and holy.

4) Everyone should refrain from clothing that is immodest, ostentatious, a fashion-statement, or otherwise distracting from the prayerful and sacred space of the Lord’s House. Clothing or bodily adornments with images, symbols, or writing should not be worn or at least covered up, so that the holy icons and Word of God do not have to compete with the logo of our favorite sport team, the name of a music band, or the slogan of our political party.