Panagia the Feast of the Virgin Mary

PHOTOGRAPH: Dana Tentis

“In Medieval and Modern Greek, Panagia refers to Mary, mother of Jesus, and this term is also used in Eastern Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity.”

Panagia (Greek: Παναγία, fem. of panágios, pan- + hágios, the All-Holy, or the Most Holy; pronounced Greek pronunciation: [panaˈʝia]) (also transliterated Panaghia or Panajia).

Orthodox Christians throughout the world celebrate the Dormition of the Virgin Mary each year on August 15th. It is sometimes referred to as “Panagia” and even “Thekapendeavgousto”, which translated means “August 15th”. On this day, the “falling asleep” (death) of the Virgin Mary is commemorated by all who believe. For Greeks around the world, this is a major feast day that is second only to Easter (Pascha), which is the largest feast day on the Orthodox Calendar.

In Orthodox Christianity, the life of the Panagia, or Virgin Mary, is honored and revered for she is the mother of Jesus, held in the highest esteem.Greeks all over the world celebrate and especially so in Greece.The Virgin Mary is also referred to as the Theotokos, which means the “Mother of God”.

In Greece, people often name places such as churches, villages, and even beaches after the Virgin Mary and when they do, they often use the name of Panagia.

Celebrations and Feasts

No matter where you are in Greece, you will find people celebrating Panagia on August 15th during the feast of the Dormition.

Standout celebrations in Greece take place in churches like Panayia Evangelistria on Tinos, the Monastery of Panayia Soumela on Mt. Vermio, and Panayia Ekatontaliliani on Paros Greek island. However, there are celebrations all over Greece.

These celebrations include special church services held throughout the country, especially in churches that are named Panagia. Following church services, there is music and dancing to celebrate into the night.

In order to wish someone a good day on this holiday, you should say, “Kalo Dekapendavgousto!”

If you find yourself in Greece during this feast day, you will want to experience this holiday and celebrate with locals, honoring Panagia and the many Greek traditions that abound.

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