Nativity of the Theotokos in Pag
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Published: 07.09.2018.
A specific Pag’s devotion from the Assumption day to Nativity of the Theotokos
Parish worshipers of Pag who for centuries worshiped Mary Lady of the Old City with the daily prayers in the Pag’s church link the feasts of the Assumption Day and Nativity of the Theotokos, Mary's Assumption and Birth. In 23 days from the Assumption Day to Nativity of the Theotokos Pag’s worshipers say 92 set of prayers: 4876 Hail Mary; 552 The Father and the Glory of the Father. This daily common prayer from the Assumption Day to the to Nativity of the Theotokos began in 1855. as a vow of people from Pag. In that period many people in Pag died due to the cholera. They believe it stopped due to the pray of Mary Lady so they plight that every year they will, each day from the Assumption Day to the to Nativity of the Theotokos, pray a set of prayers. They've also plight that they will carry the statue of Mother of God from the church in old town to the church in the new town and via versa on feasts.
The statue of Mother of God traditionally carry men dressed in traditional folk costumes, and with the statue of Mother of God are also members of the church choir.
In the magnificent procession from the new to old town of Pag every year, several thousand worshipers participate in it. Since the morning hours there have been Holy Masses in the BDM Assumption Church, and at 5pm begins the procession with the statue of Mother of God to the Old Town where at 6pm Holy Mass also begins. Nativity of the Theotokos, as a religious holiday, but also as a folk custom, still has great significance today, and the votive procession is a big and important event gathering the whole island.
Photography: Elvis Šmit
