Dormition Church, Dubiny

Dormition of the Mother of God Orthodox Church in Dubiny, Poland, is a parish orthodox church. It belongs to Hajnówka deanery in the Warszawa-Bielsko diocese of the Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church. The temple is located on Szkolna street.

The church was built in 1872 on a plot gifted by Klimański, a local landowner. It replaced the old 18th century wooden church, which was dismantled and moved to Rogacz. Construction began on 15 August 1867 and was completed on 23 November 1872, when the church was blessed. The oak iconostasis was funded by the parish priest – Parteniusz Bazylewski. In 1900, a stone fence was erected around the building. After World War II, icons at the church were adorned by richly decorated frames, made by Michał Ochrymiuk, a local artist.

On 9 December 2011 the church was entered into the Polish Registry of Cultural Heritage under A-369.

Due to the church's dedication, the Dormition of the Mother of God is an especially important date and has been enhanced with local traditions, such as the blessing of harvest and herbs.

Two weeks of fasting precede the event. During that time, the faithful should not eat meat, dairy products or eggs, but are allowed to eat fish. Different sources present various examples of the fast. According to some, fish can be eaten on any day except Wednesday and Friday, since these days commemorate, respectively, Judas' betrayal and the Crucifixion. Other sources claim that Mondays should be also observed as fasting days, as that day of the week is dedicated to the Angels.

On 27 August, evening prayers are held in the church and on the next day the Akathist of the Dormition of the Mother of God is sung, followed by the Liturgy. During the evening prayers a procession takes place and the Epitaphios (a cloth icon depicting the Mother of God) is displayed.

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Wikipedia