August 19

The Transfiguration of our Lord. Mosaic, Church of the Saviour on Blood. Saint Petersburg, circa 1900.

The and Readings at the Liturgy on the Feast of The Transfiguration of our Lord

THE SECOND GENERAL EPISTLE OF THE HOLY APOSTLE PETER

1:10-19 Strive to Become Partakers of the Divine Nature 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 For so an will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Peter: Eyewitness to the Majesty of Our Lord Jesus Christ 12 For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. 13 Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, 14 Knowing that shortly I put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. 15 Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease. 16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honour and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

On the Prophetic Words of the Holy Scriptures 19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;

(New King James Version 1982)

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT MATTHEW

- 17:1 9 The Transfiguration 1 Now after six days Jesus[1] took Peter[2], James[3], and John[4] his brother (three of the Twelve Apostles), led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 And He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses[5] and Elijah[6] appeared to them, talking with Him (representatives of the ). 4 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[7]: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 5 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!" 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, "Arise, and do not be afraid." 8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. 9 Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, "Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man[8] is risen from the dead." (New King James Version 1982) * In the Gospel reading cited above, the words of Christ are in boldface.

1. Jesus – from the Aramaic, the Saviour. 5. Moses – from the Egyptian, child. 2. Peter – from the Greek, rock. 6. Elijah – from the Hebrew, Lord is God. 3. James – anglicized form of the Hebrew Jacob, – 7. Tabernacle – shelter, tent, а temporary . protected by God. 8. Son of Man – Jesus’ most common title of Himself. 4. John – from the Hebrew, God’s grace.

The Transfiguration To strengthen the faith of his disciples, when they would see His suffering, Jesus Christ showed them His divine glory. Shortly before His suffering, Jesus took His three closest and most trusted disciples, Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain to pray. According to ancient Church Tradition this was the beautiful Mount Tabor, covered with lush vegetation, located some 10 kilometers from Nazareth. As the Saviour prayed, the tired disciples fell asleep. When they аwoke, they saw Jesus Christ transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun and His garments became white as snow and glistened as light. Suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and they heard the voice of God the Father, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” The divine service on this feast day has the following distinctive feature: after the Liturgy, fruit brought by the parishioners to the church – grapes and orchard fruit such as apples, pears and plums that ripen at this time – are blessed. By the fruit, the Church, teaches us that all things in a holy community must be consecrated to God as His creation.

Published with the blessing of His Eminence Kyrill, Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America ASK 2021