Transfiguration of Christ the Savior
Date of celebration: 06/08
According to the Evangelists, our Lord Jesus Christ took from the disciples Peter (see June 29), John (see September 26) and James (see April 30) and went up to Mount Tabor to pray. As St. Nicodemus the Saint notes: “And he received only three Apostles, as pre-eminent and pre-eminent. But Peter was judged because he loved Christ very much. And Ioannis, because he was loved by Christ. And Iakovos, because he was able to drink the cup of death, which the Lord also drank”.
His three disciples, as they were tired from the difficult ascent to Tabor and while they sat down to rest, fell into a deep sleep. When they awoke, they saw an unexpected and exquisite sight. The face of the Lord shone like the sun, and His garments were white as light. Two men surrounded Him and talked with Him, Moses (see September 4) and Elias (see July 20).
St. Nicodemus the Agiorite writes characteristically: “And he brought Moses and Ilian into their midst, in order to correct the false suspicions that many had about him. However, others called the Lord as Elijah.
Others, how is Ieremias. For this reason, he represented the first and foremost Prophets in Tabor, so that the disciples, and through the disciples all people, would know how much difference there is between Christ and the Prophets. But Christ is a Despot. Prophets are slaves. And let them know that the Lord has the power of death and life. Therefore, from among the deceased, he brought Moses. And from the living, he brought Ilian.”
After the disciples had somewhat recovered from their astonishment, the ever-enthusiastic Peter, wishing to preserve this holy intoxication caused by the radiance of the Lord, implored them to set up three tents. One for the Lord, one for Moses and one for Elijah. However, before he could finish his sentence, a cloud came that covered them and from it a voice was heard saying: “This is my beloved son; listen to him” (Luke, i. 28-36). That is, This is my beloved Son, whom I sent to save the world. Listen to him.
Therefore, we must not only listen to Him, but also obey Him. In whatever path it leads us, we are bound to discipline ourselves.
