Derzhavnaya bogoroditsa?

[Jack Kollmann]

I appreciate the thread of this discussion that calls attention to cross-cultural 
dissonances in translation.  As for "Uspenie," I favor "Dormition," with an 
explication (footnote, if written; verbal explication, if in a lecture) of the 
distinction between using "Dormition" vs. "Assumption" for "Uspenie."  Not only 
is "Dormition" a more accurate translation of the Russian word, but it applies 
to both of the two types of Orthodox texts and icons:  in one type, her "going 
to sleep" in the presence of the Apostles (and selected others) is 
described/portrayed; in the "expanded" type, her bodily assumption into 
heaven is added.  "Dormition" is the single term that defines both texts/icons.
Jack Kollmann
Stanford University

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Use your web browser to search the archives, control your subscription
  options, and more.  Visit and bookmark the SEELANGS Web Interface at:
                    http://seelangs.home.comcast.net/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------