Thursday, August 15, 2013

Epiphanius: Dormition of the Virgin Mary

"SAY she died a natural death. In that case she fell asleep in glory, and departed in purity and received the crown of her virginity. Or say she was slain with the sword according to Simeon's prophecy. There her glory is with the martyrs, and she through whom the divine light shone upon the world is in the place of bliss with her sacred body. Or say she left this world without dying for God can do what He wills. Then she was simply transferred to eternal glory." (emphasis added)

~St. Epiphanius of Salamis (ca. 310-20 – 403): Haer. lxxix, 11.

St. Epiphanius of Salamis. Fresco,
Gracanica monastery, near Lipljan in Kosovo.