It is really a unique and powerful honor for us to have our Church dedicated to the "Holy Mother of God." She is known to us by many names: “Theotokos” (God-bearer), “Panagia” (Most Holy), “Ever-Virgin” (reminding us of her unique role and special purpose), to name a few. Of course, this month, her feast comes. On the 15th, we celebrate her Dormition, which is her death or “falling asleep in the Lord.” This is a solemn feast preceded by 14 days of fasting, remembrance and preparation.

During our festival Church tours last year, the icon of the Dormition (on our icon screen) probably generated more questions and interest than any other in our sanctuary. If you’ve never looked up close, it shows Mary lying in state, surrounded by angels and the Apostles who are mourning; the gates of Heaven stand open and ready to receive the Mother of God. The glorified Christ is also there, in the center, and He is holding a small child wrapped in a white blanket. Those tour-goers were consistently mystified about who that child could be—why would Jesus bring a baby to His Mother’s funeral?

The answer is that this is a representation of the Virgin Mary herself, her soul to be exact. Orthodox tradition holds that when she passed, she was taken up into Heaven, body and soul, that because of her unique role in our salvation history, her body was spared what we might call the ravages of the grave. And this unique role? In addition to her cooperation in bringing Christ to us—our ultimate salvation—she also became for us the great intercessor. She is constantly in prayer for us; our Mother never really left her children—since her Dormition, she has been supporting us, working on our behalf, inspiring us with hope, and praying to Christ for our salvation.

These realities cannot help but move us, but there is more to this image of Christ holding this special child. It also indicates that even since her infancy, she had been held in the loving, nurturing and protective arms of Christ. Her Son, somehow, was always her Father. What a warm, reassuring example of Christ’s love, sympathy and compassion—and not only his Mother, but for all of us.

In fact, it’s proper and right for you to envision yourself in Christ's arms, as an infant, in much the same way. You could even picture yourself in this very icon. Since the day you were born—really, since the day you were conceived—you’ve been in His arms. He’s always loved you and had a purpose for you. When you looked up into the eyes of your parents for the first time, you were certainly looking directly into their loving hearts, but also into the loving eyes of our Lord. After all, He is where all love begins.

Here’s more good news. He not only held you then, but He still holds you now—whether you’re 10, 50 or 90 years old. He still loves you, still believes in you, still has a purpose for you, and is still holding on tight. You’re still a child to Him, a precious infant … you’re blood of His blood, flesh of His flesh. You belong to Him. He’ll always look out for you, always protect you, always be there for you, and He’ll always love you.