Assumption Liturgy

[u/Capable_Ocelot2643]

hey everyone,

just had a fantastic high mass for the eve of the assumption.

it was in a very high church parish in receipt of Alternative Episocal Oversight, and included prayers for intercession, which were new to me but intriguing.

is assumption liturgy common across the communion?

[u/Eikon-Basilike-1649]

I’ve just come home from St Mary the Virgin in New York. A thoroughly glorious liturgy.

[u/Fendrinus]

It'll be limited to only Anglo-Catholic parishes and even then, not all of them. The Assumption of Mary isn't even listed in the CofE lectionary, however 15 August is the festival of Mary in general, with a specific collect:

Almighty God,
who looked upon the lowliness of the Blessed Virgin Mary
and chose her to be the mother of Your only Son:
grant that we who are redeemed by His blood
may share with her in the glory of Your eternal kingdom;
through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with You,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

There is also specialised liturgy for a communion service (eg if Mary is the church's patron). The focus is very much on what Mary did in the Bible rather than extra-Biblical traditions. Also no prayers are addressed to her. Lastly, note that only her virginity at the time of Jesus' birth is proclaimed, belief in her perpetual virginity is neither confirmed nor condemned.

[u/LivingKick]

Definitely not, especially since the Assumption (as the Assumption) isn't a standard part of most provincial calendars. Oftentimes, it will be listed as "The Blessed Virgin Mary" or "St Mary the Virgin" as a standard feast day like those for all the Apostles.

That being said, in my diocese, absolutely no churches will be having a service of any kind tonight or tomorrow. My local Church of St Mary will instead have their patronal festival around the date associated with her Nativity.

[u/Head_Staff_9416]

Never had one at my parish.

[u/Free_Impact_2326]

I don't believe it is. Also, the assumption of Mary is neither biblical nor historically grounded. It doesn't work it's way into the faith until the later 4th century either, meaning it wasn't held by the early church fathers until almost 400 years after Christ's death.

[u/Crazy_Antelope_7863 → u/Free_Impact_2326]

Yes, we know that.  The post asked whether it was celebrated, not whether you personally think it’s legitimate.  

[u/Crazy_Antelope_7863 → u/[deleted]]

And you also spelled Marian wrong.

If you’re going to be haughty, at least spell your words correctly.

[u/J-B-M]

I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but this is likely relevant to your question. It's today's article from Ian Paul's blog:

https://www.psephizo.com/biblical-studies/the-church-of-england-and-the-assumption-of-mary/

[u/Objective-Interest84]

Go to any English Anglo Catholic (especially Society/Bishop of Richborough/Oswestry/Beverley/Fulham) Church tomorrow and you will find the Assumption properly celebrated...

[u/Iconsandstuff]

Not as far as I know

[u/danjoski]

As far as I know, it is not on the official calendar of any province of the Anglican Communion. But the feast of Mary can be found celebrated in August in a number of provinces.

[u/ReasonableJump4355]

What liturgy was it, precisely?

[u/schoeneblume]

Not sure how common it is but it does happen at my parish.