Inhora’s Way and the “Falling Asleep” of Mary

I can’t help but share a little note about a celebration that Christians are celebrating around the world, as it pertains so closely to Inhora’s mission: the Dormition of the Theotokos/Assumption of Mary.

Notice the love, reverence, and grief of those surrounding her body. This is Inhora’s model: compassionate presence and care—holding space with the dying and their loved ones. Time stands still. Heaven opens.

Like with those in the icon, Inhora’s work doesn’t end at death. We honor each human body as sacred as we touch, clean, and shroud. The body may stay with us for another 24 hours, possibly longer, as their loved ones make their visit.

Then we escort the body as staff, volunteers, and other guests pause with silence, prayer, and then all have the opportunity to share from the heart. Flowers and other items may be placed on the body before leaving home.

And a candle continues to burn at their door, signifying the life and love that continues.

To learn more about the Feast of the Dormition, check out this article.

The icon picture was used from https://www.goarch.org/dormition.