Transfiguration of our Lord: Orthodox Feast

In the Life of the Church, we celebrate the Great Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord on August 6th. During this Feast, the farmers use to gather the early fruits of their summer harvest (grapes, apples, figs etc.) and to present them in the Church to be blessed and to give them for free to congregation. This is an ancient Christian custom; these fruits are called the “beginnings”.

Transfiguration of our Lord

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"Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, 'Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.'"

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!' And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, 'Arise, and do not be afraid.' When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, 'Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.'"   -Matthew 17:1-9 (Gospel lesson of the Feast)

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When O Christ our God, Thou wast transfigured on the mountain, Thou didst reveal Thy glory to Thy disciples, in proportion as they could bear it. Let Thine everlasting Light, also enlighten us sinners. Through the intersessions of the Theotokos, O Thou bestower of Life, glory to Thee.  -Troparion of the Feast of the Transfiguration (Tone 7)

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- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director