“the Church does not seek to provide easy answers to the mystery of death, but instead stands beside those who mourn and offers them the hope of the Resurrection.

“not to corruption, but to life; not to despair, but to Resurrection; not to isolation, but to eternal communion in the Kingdom.

“The Dormition is not the end; it is a passage into the fullness of life in Christ,

“For a Christian, death is not annihilation, describing it as a passage from time into eternity. Even amid grief, the light of the Resurrection remains burning.

“does not mourn a death, but celebrates a translation from death to life

Archbishop Makarios of Australia ›

Archbishop

Direct quote

“the Dormition is a celebration of hope, consolation, and joy

Archbishop Makarios ›

Archbishop of Australia

Reported

“At the centre of today’s feast stands a tomb, yet the Church does not call us to sorrow, but to joy. The Apostles are gathered around the body of the Mother of God, yet the feast’s hymns speak of life. A separation takes place, yet the Church proclaims a reunion.

“the Church does not say a final “goodbye” to the departed, but rather “until we meet again,”