The Orthodox Church celebrates the Transfiguration of the Lord every year on August 19. On this day, according to the Scriptures, Jesus Christ appeared before his disciples in a radiant light, a show to show them the divine heavenly glory that awaits all after the end of earthly suffering.
History of the Transfiguration of Our Lord
Two Old Testament prophets, Elijah and Moses, suddenly heard a voice from a cloud in the conversation with the Master, who told them that the Son of God was before them, and that he should be listened to. After that, the face of Jesus Christ beamed brighter than the sun, and the clothes became white as light.
By this the Lord showed to people the Divinity of Jesus, his preparing saving deed and the suffering of the cross. The Transfiguration was in some measure the pre-announcement of the salvific Resurrection of Christ and the salvation of the world from sins.
The Transfiguration clearly shows the deification of the human race through the human embodiment of the Son of God. That is, Jesus, who passed all the way from birth in human nature to physical death, atoned for his sufferings with the original Adam's sin, which cost all mankind so dearly. As a result of the earthly life, death and resurrection of the Son of God, all mankind received a second chance for the atonement of sins and paradise after death.
The Transfiguration has shown all followers of Jesus Christ that a righteous and virtuous life will make a person worthy of Divine glory.
Traditions and history of the feast Transfiguration of Our Lord
The Church annually celebrates this day among the great 12 Orthodox holidays. And in people this day is more known as the Second Savior or the Apple Savior . On this holiday, according to tradition, it is customary to cover the harvest of the new year in churches - apples, pears, plums.
According to legend, apples of a new crop can be eaten only after lighting, because people are eagerly awaiting this big holiday. Also for the holiday beekeepers are preparing, illuminating hives and honey. After that, they should, according to the old tradition, treat neighbors with honey, all the infirm and destitute people and orphans.