Metr. Gerasimos Calls Faithful to Prayer and Hope During Dormition Fast

SAN FRANCISCO — Metr. Gerasimos of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco has called on Orthodox Christians to embrace the Dormition Fast through prayer, fasting, and participation in parish life, describing the two-week season as a source of hope in a world marked by conflict and uncertainty.

In a pastoral reflection marking the beginning of the fast on Aug. 1, the metropolitan referred to the period leading to the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos as the Church's "Summer Pascha," emphasizing that the feast proclaims Christ's victory over death through His Mother.

"We come to this feast in a world that is exhausted," Metr. Gerasimos wrote, pointing to ongoing wars, growing divisions, and widespread anxiety. "... It is in precisely this moment that the Church holds before us the icon of the Dormition of the Theotokos, and she says to us: 'Do not be afraid.'"

Reflecting on the icon of the Dormition, the hierarch said it presents a vision of unity as the Apostles gather around the Virgin Mary while Christ receives her soul into glory. "In a year when so much in our world pulls us apart, this icon speaks to us of a different kind of gathering, one we are called to embody," he wrote.

The hierarch urged the faithful to attend the Paraklesis services celebrated throughout the fast, calling them "one of the most honest prayers in our tradition." He encouraged Orthodox Christians to bring their families, burdens, and prayers to the services, noting that the Church's tradition of seeking the intercessions of the Theotokos offers healing in an age that often prizes self-sufficiency.

Metr. Gerasimos also highlighted the Feast of the Transfiguration on Aug. 6, describing it as a revelation of humanity's ultimate calling to be transformed by God's divine light.

Concluding his message, His Eminence encouraged the faithful to observe the fast, reflect on the life of the Theotokos, and invite others to participate in the Church's worship during the season. He prayed that the Mother of God would intercede "for our families, for our Metropolis, and for our world in this urgent hour," asking that the Dormition Fast renew the faithful in hope as they prepare for the feast on Aug. 15.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Department of Religious Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America will host an online training webinar on Aug. 16, 2026, to help clergy, religious educators, teachers, and parish volunteers become familiar with the archdiocese's newly introduced National K–12 Sunday School Curriculum.