In a meld of faith, tradition, and cultural richness, the Greek national broadcaster, ERT World, will curate a remarkable line-up of programming, accessible online, that aims to capture the essence of the revered Assumption of the Virgin Mary on August 15.
The Assumption of the Virgin Mary, celebrated on August 15, holds a profound place within the fabric of the Greek Orthodox calendar. This spiritual journey commences on August 1, marked by a period of fasting that culminates in a widespread congregation across Greece and the far-reaching Diaspora. On August 15, churches open their doors to multitudes, uniting in a shared quest for solace and spiritual connection.
Beyond the church doors, the festivities cascade into the streets, igniting a symphony of feasts, melodies, and cultural jubilation. A mosaic of local customs, tales of miracles, and unwavering faith weaves the cultural narrative of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This celebration is also a testament to the rich Byzantine heritage, where artistry—both lay and high—embellishes the holy day.
Dubbed as the “second summer in Greece,” August 15 emerges as the embodiment of tradition. ERT World will take audiences on a journey as it commemorates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
ERT’s special programming includes:
Direct Broadcast from the Cathedral of Our Lady of Tinos
The ceremony begins on Tuesday morning at 8 am (Athens ), 3pm (Melbourne), with the live-to-air broadcast of the Polyarchieratic Co-liturgy from the Cathedral of Our Lady of Tinos. The ceremony continues with the Procession of the Holy Icon of Our Blessed Lady.
A Journey Through Greek Celebrations – ERT Archive:
12:30 pm (Athens ), 7:30pm (Melbourne) a program is dedicated to the diverse August 15 traditions in Konitsa and the surrounding areas. The celebration highlights the unique Epirotic music that resonates with the landscape’s harmony. Director Takis Sakellariou and journalist Vicky Tsianika bring this captivating experience to life.
Contemporary Traditional Music – Hymns to the Virgin Mary – Georgios Patronas:
4 pm (Athens), 11pm (Melbourne) a program showcases the hymnology associated with the Virgin Mary as Dr. George Patronas, Protopsaltes and teacher of Byzantine music at the Dept. of Music Science & Art, leads this episode. Accompanied by the Byzantine dance group Evdromountes, the female vocal ensemble Evneanides, and a vibrant ensemble of young artists from the University of Macedonia, psalms, and hymns to the Virgin Mary will come to life. Antonios Patronas, the hymnist of the Great Church of Christ, will sing and guide the performance.
A Cinematic Tribute – “The Virgin Mary’s Miracle” (1965)
The tribute concludes with the movie “The Virgin Mary’s Miracle” at 6 pm (Athens) 1am (Melbourne). The story follows Maria Merfati, a mother who refuses to accept the loss of her daughter, set against the backdrop of a shipwreck and a relentless search spanning six years. The film captures the spirit of hope and reunion. The cast includes Angela Zileia, Thanasis Mylonas, Mairoula Evaggelou, Vangelis Ioannidis, Zannino, and Vicky Moscholiou. The screenplay is by Kostas Asimakopoulos and directed by Kostas Strantzalis.
To view of listen to ERT World’s specially curated Day of Reverence and Celebration and experience the deep Byzantine beauty, tradition, and spirituality of the annual Assumption of the Virgin Mary celebrations on August 15, visit: www.ert.gr/ertworld
