The Orthodox Church Celebrates the Transfiguration of the Lord
Icon of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Photo: blagovist.info
On August 19 (August 6 according to the Julian calendar), the Church celebrates one of the major twelve great feasts – the Transfiguration of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. This day reminds the faithful of the greatest Gospel event, when the Son of God revealed His Divine nature to His 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 – according to tradition, this was Mount Tabor in Galilee. And when they reached the summit, Christ was transfigured before them: His face shone like the sun, and His garments became white as light (Mt. 17:1–2).
At that moment, two great Old Testament prophets appeared – Elijah and Moses, who spoke with the Lord about His coming sufferings and death (Lk. 9:31). A bright cloud descended upon the mountain, and from it came the voice of God the Father: This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear Him (Mt. 17:5). The Apostles fell to the ground in fear. When they heard the words addressed to them: Arise, and do not be afraid (Mt. 17:7), and rose up, the Old Testament prophets and the cloud had already vanished, and before them stood their Teacher – no longer shining with blinding light.
The Transfiguration was a most important revelation for the disciples, showing them the true nature of their Teacher shortly before His sufferings on the Cross. This feast reminds Christians that man is called to deification – to transformation according to the image of God.
In popular tradition, this day is known as the Second Saviour's Day, or Apple Saviour's Day. The faithful bring fruit to church for blessing; the priest reads a special prayer and sprinkles the fruit with holy water.
On this day, fish is permitted at table.
The SPJ previously wrote about why the Transfiguration is a new birth in Christ.
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