Church celebrates the Transfiguration of the Lord

The icon of the Lord's Transfiguration. Photo: the icon by Theophanes the Greek, Tretyakov Gallery

On August 19 (August 6 according to the Julian calendar), the Church celebrates one of the main Twelve Great Feasts – the Transfiguration of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. This day reminds believers of the greatest Gospel event when the Son of God revealed His Divine nature to the chosen disciples.

According to the Gospel narrative, Jesus Christ took with Him the apostles Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain – traditionally believed to be Mount Tabor in Galilee. There, during prayer, the Savior was transfigured before them: His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as light.

The disciples saw the prophets Moses and Elijah appear, who were talking with Christ about His upcoming sufferings in Jerusalem. Astonished by what he saw, the apostle Peter proposed to make three tabernacles (shelters) – for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.

At that moment, a bright cloud descended and enveloped them, and from it came the voice of the Heavenly Father: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; listen to Him." Hearing this, the apostles fell to the ground in fear, but Christ touched them and said: "Arise and don't be afraid."

The Transfiguration became a crucial revelation for the disciples, showing them the true nature of their Teacher shortly before His crucifixion. This feast reminds Christians that man is called to deification — transformation in the image of God.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote about why the Transfiguration is a new birth in Christ.

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