Transfiguration of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Transfiguration of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Feast Day and Greek Name Day

The Transfiguration of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is honored in the Orthodox Christian Church as one of the great feasts of the Church, commemorating the moment when Christ revealed His divine glory to His disciples. This feast day is celebrated on August 6.

The Event of the Transfiguration

The Transfiguration is described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. According to the biblical account, Jesus took three of His disciples — Peter, James, and John — to the top of a high mountain, traditionally identified as Mount Tabor.

While they were there, Christ was transfigured before them, and His face shone with divine light while His garments became radiant.

Appearance of Moses and Elijah

During this event, the prophets Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Christ. Moses represented the Law, and Elijah represented the Prophets, showing that the teachings of the Old Testament were fulfilled in Jesus.

The disciples witnessed this revelation of Christ’s divine nature and understood more clearly who He truly was.

The Voice from Heaven

A bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from heaven declared:

“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.”

This moment confirmed the divine identity of Christ and strengthened the faith of the disciples before the events of the Crucifixion.

A Major Feast of the Orthodox Church

The Transfiguration of Christ is one of the Twelve Great Feasts of the Orthodox Christian Church. On this day, churches hold special services celebrating the revelation of Christ’s divine glory.

In many Orthodox traditions, grapes and other fruits are brought to church to be blessed, symbolizing spiritual transformation and the first fruits of the harvest.

When the Transfiguration Is Celebrated

The feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is observed each year on August 6 in the Greek Orthodox Church. The day commemorates the revelation of Christ’s divine nature and His glory before His disciples.