How the Transfiguration of the Lord is celebrated by Orthodox christians
Today, August 19, Orthodox Christians observe one of the most significant feasts in the ecclesiastical calendar—the Transfiguration of the Lord according to the Julian calendar.
This feast commemorates the event when Jesus Christ was transfigured on Mount Tabor, revealing His divine glory to His apostles Peter, James, and John. According to tradition, this event holds profound significance as it is considered a prefiguration of the Lord's Resurrection.
The Transfiguration is a feast characterised by numerous traditions and customs. On this day, many believers fast and abstain from consuming animal products, believing that this practice purifies their body and soul. Additionally, it is a day dedicated to prayers and spiritual reflection, with Christians seeking God's guidance to illuminate their path and strengthen their faith.
In many churches, special services are conducted today, during which grapes and other fruits of the earth are blessed, symbolising the harvest's blessing and the abundance of divine gifts. Believers bring these offerings to the church to be blessed and shared with loved ones as a sign of gratitude for the harvest.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
