Transfiguration of the Savior: Customs and Significance of the Feast

The Transfiguration of the Savior, one of the most important despotic feasts of Christianity, is celebrated on August 6th. This feast refers to the event of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ on Mount Tabor, in the presence of his disciples Peter, John, and James.

According to the Gospels, Jesus was transfigured and shone with glory, while conversing with Moses and Elijah. A voice from heaven confirmed that Jesus is the beloved Son of God.

Customs of the Day: On the day of the Transfiguration, believers offer the first grapes of the year to the churches, which are blessed and distributed. Fish consumption is also allowed, as the feast is an exception to the Dormition Fast. In some regions, the first oil of the year is offered for blessing.

The Transfiguration of the Savior symbolizes the revelation of the divine nature of Jesus Christ and the union of the divine with the human.