The Feast of Transfiguration

> The Feast of Transfiguration

The Transfiguration of Jesus is commemorated in a feast day observed by Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican Churches, and is considered one of the twelve Great Feasts. Some churches regard this day as one of the high points of the Christian calendar, a pinnacle moment in the life of Jesus as a man, which was soon to culminate in the crucifixion and Resurrection. During the Transfiguration, the divinity of Jesus shown forth for a select few of his disciples to witness.

Transfiguration refers to an event reported in the Synoptic Gospels, and which is also mentioned in the Gospel of John.

While in the company of Peter, John and James, Jesus climbed a high mountain in order to pray. Suddenly Jesus surprised his companions by revealing his pinity to them, and is transfigured by pine radiance. The disciples then bore witness to Jesus speaking with the prophets Moses and Elijah, and that he was called “Son” by God—an event which confirmed Jesus’ identity as the Son of God.

Jesus bade his disciples keep silent about what they had seen until his Resurrection on the third day after his death on the cross.

The Feast of Transfiguration in Our Time

Today, a centuries-old tradition holds that the Transfiguration took place on Mount Tabor, a southern Galilee mountain of great significance in Jewish life during the Temple periods. It was from Mount Tabor that beacons were lit to indicate the arrival of the New Moon.

Some scholars argue that the event took place on a different mountain, such as Mount Hermon, which is also located in the Galilee.

The Feast, which traditionally takes place on August 6th in both the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches, is one of the high points of the Christian calendar. It is during the Feast of Transfiguration that the Orthodox Church performs the first Blessing of the First Fruits over grapes or other fruits, depending upon the region.

In Jerusalem, this time of year is when grapes are in season, and churches can perform the blessing according to its most time-honored traditions.

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