(Third Saturday after Pentecost)
The Feast of the Agony of the Blessed Virgin Mary is observed in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church on the Saturday following the Feast of Christ the Lover of Mankind, making it the third Saturday after Pentecost. This day is a devotional commemoration of the sorrow and spiritual suffering endured by the Mother of God during the Passion of her Son, Jesus Christ—especially during His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Though not one of the twelve major feasts of the Church, this day offers the faithful a unique opportunity to reflect on the deep compassion and co-suffering of the Theotokos. It reminds us that Mary, in her maternal love, shared fully in Christ’s suffering, remaining united to Him in silence, prayer, and unwavering faith.
The feast emphasizes Mary’s role as the Compassionate Intercessor and spiritual Mother, who stands beside us in our own moments of trial and sorrow. Her quiet strength in the face of her Son’s agony encourages us to trust in God’s will and remain faithful through suffering.
Faithful are encouraged to attend Divine Liturgy, offer prayers or a Moleben to the Mother of God, and spend time in quiet reflection on Mary’s unwavering love and sorrowful heart.
Through the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, may we learn to carry our own crosses with the same trust and love she showed beneath the Cross of Christ.
