FEAST OF THE DORMITION OF OUR MOST HOLY LADY THE GOD-BEARER AND EVER-VIRGIN MARY August 15th
	Children with icons Erica Schlain and Larry Burke
	On the feast of the Dormition it is traditional in the Eastern Church to bless flowers. At Holy Trinity, we maintain this custom. In addition this year, we decided to visit sick and shut-in parishioners, present them with blessed flowers, and sing hymns in honor of the Theotokos. The choir along with some children from the school of religion went out on the Saturday after the Dormition to make these visits. This feast is preceded by a fast period beginning on August 1st. The historical origin of the custom of blessing flowers seems to have been the blessing of the first fruits of olives by the Patriarch of Constantinople, although in it’s present form it has many borrowings from the Roman tradition. The Slav text titles it a “Blessing of Herbs.” The intention of the prayer seems to be the blessing of herbs that were used for medicinal purposes in the summer heat, which was conducive to many infectious diseases. In more recent times, the tradition concerning the death of the Mother of God that flowers were discovered in her tomb after she was taken into heaven has influenced this office and made it a blessing of flowers. - from the Typikon prepared by Father David Petras
	Mrs. Maria Hrycaj and Ruth Evancho With residents at Bojnowski Manor
	TROPARION O Mother of God, in giving birth you still preserved virginity; and in your falling-asleep you did not forsake the world. You are the Mother of Life and have been transferred to life, and through your prayers have delivered our souls from death.
	Mr. & Mrs. John Mosey and Ruth Evancho Singing with Mrs. Anna Stanko
	KONTAKION The grave and death did not detain the Mother of God. She prays perpetually and is our Unfailing hope of intercession; for He Who dwelt in the womb of the Ever-virgin, transferred to life the Mother of Life.
	Mr. Andrew Soltis and Peter Kohanski
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