The Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-of-God commemorates how St. Mary at her death was taken up in body and soul, or “assumed,” into heaven. This act of tenderness was performed by Christ many years after his Ascension, as a loving tribute to the mother who bore and raised him. On this feast day, the “Blessing of Grapes” service takes place immediately after the Divine Liturgy. The service is rich in symbolism and emphasizes the important role of the Virgin Mary in the revelation of God.