The Transfiguration of the Lord is one of the twelfth, that is, the main after Easter, Orthodox holidays, which is revered every year, including 2017, August 19 (old style - August 6). In churches, after the festive liturgy, apples and various other fruits from the newly harvested harvest are traditionally blessed on this day, symbolizing the autumn transformation in nature, which is why the holiday of the Transfiguration of the Lord is also popularly called the Apple Savior.
History of the Feast of Transfiguration
According to the legend of the Gospel of Matthew, the third year of preaching of the thirty-three-year-old Jesus Christ was already over, when his disciples were greatly saddened when they heard from their teacher the story that he would soon need to go to Jerusalem, to endure many persecutions there from the high priests, scribes and elders , severe suffering for people, die on the cross and after three days rise. Since the disciples had great hopes for the proclamation of Jesus as king, they were not consoled even by the news of his resurrection. Noticing the grief of the apostles, especially Peter, and wanting to minimize it, and also to strengthen the faith of his disciples in the future, when they would observe his torment, Jesus Christ decided to show them his glory, in which he would abide after the resurrection. (The Glory of the Lord is a term in Christianity of biblical etymology, meaning a form of the full appearance of an immortal deity, which is usually not visible to mere mortal people).
Soon after this conversation, Jesus Christ, together with his three disciples - James, John and Peter - ascended Mount Tabor (which today is one of the main symbols of the Transfiguration of the Lord), where in solitude the Savior usually indulged in prayer. The apostles, tired of the ascent and a long stay in a state of prayer, fell asleep on the mountain, and at dawn Jesus was transformed before them in the brilliance of all his Divine glory: like the sun, his face shone, and his robes shed a snow-white radiant light. At the command of Christ, the prophets Elijah (from paradise) and Moses (from the dead) appeared before him and began a conversation about the upcoming accomplishments and sufferings of Jesus in Jerusalem, about his future death and resurrection. The awakened apostles froze in awe and fear from what they saw and heard. Peter, in fear, even turned to Jesus Christ with a proposal to make three tabernacles (shelters from the sun) for him and the prophets, and while he was saying this, without knowing what, a light cloud enveloped the top of the mountain and overshadowed those present, and a voice came from it , which reads: “This is my beloved son, in him I am well pleased. Listen to him." The disciples, hearing the voice of God, fell on their faces in horror. All the faces of the Holy Trinity were revealed before them: the Son of God with the testimony of God the Father in the Holy Spirit. The prophets and the Glory of the Lord disappeared, and Jesus Christ, approaching his disciples, told them to get up and fear nothing in the future. When the students got up from the ground, they saw the teacher already alone and in his previous guise. On the way back, on the descent from Mount Tabor, Jesus told the apostles John, James and Peter not to tell anyone about what they had seen until the Son of Man was raised from the dead.
The meaning of the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
In the church tradition, it is believed that with his Transfiguration, Jesus Christ as the Savior demonstrated to humanity what awaits him in the Kingdom of Heaven and how the entire earthly world will be transformed. According to St. John Chrysostom, the reason for the transfiguration for the Lord was the desire to show people his next coming in heaven in glory and the future transformation of human nature.
The Transfiguration of the Lord, or, popularly, “Apple Savior” is an Orthodox holiday that believers celebrate on August 19. On this day we remember the gospel event when the apostles Peter, James and John saw the Lord Jesus Christ transfigured - in all Divine, eternal glory. We will talk about the history, meaning and traditions of the Feast of the Transfiguration.
What is Transfiguration
Transfiguration(Greek metamorphosis, Latin transfiguratio) literally translates as “transformation into another form” or “change of form.” The full name of the holiday is the Transfiguration of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ. This is one of the so-called twelve holidays, which are dogmatically closely connected with the events of the earthly life of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Mother of God and are divided into the Lord's (dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ) and the Theotokos (dedicated to the Mother of God). Transfiguration is the Lord's holiday.
The events of the Transfiguration are described in the Gospels; all the evangelists write about them, except the Apostle John. During prayer on Mount Tabor, three disciples of Jesus Christ - Peter, James and John - saw how the Teacher was transformed: After six days, Jesus took Peter, James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain alone, and was transformed before them: and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became white as the light(Matthew 17:1-2).
In Rus', this holiday received the popular name “Apple Savior”. The fact is that in Israel and Greece the day of Transfiguration fell on the time of ripening of grapes. Christians brought fragrant bunches to the temple - for blessing and as a sign of gratitude to God. In countries where grapes do not grow, for example, in most of Russia, apples began to be blessed instead. There is a special prayer “For the consecration of the firstfruits of vegetables (fruits).”
We read about the Transfiguration in three Gospels; it is not described only in the Gospel of John.
As the evangelical apostles report, the events of the Transfiguration occurred six days after Christ, in a conversation about the cross and the Kingdom of God, said:“...truly I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come with power.”(Mk 9 :1). The Savior took three disciples with him - Peter, James and John - and went to the mountain to pray. While Christ was praying, the disciples, tired during the day, fell asleep. But then a miracle woke them up - Teacher“He was transfigured before them: and His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as light.”(Matthew 17 :2). The prophets Moses and Elijah appeared before the Savior and spoke with Him. As the Apostle Luke writes, the conversation went"about His exodus, which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem"(Luke 9 :31), that is, about the upcoming crucifixion. The Apostle Peter, amazed by the greatness of the Lord, exclaimed:“Rabbi! It’s good for us to be here; Let us make three tabernacles: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”(Mk 9 :5). After these words, a light cloud appeared and covered everyone with its shadow. From the depths of the cloud came the voice of God the Father:This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; Listen to him(Matthew 17 :5). After this miraculous event, Christ and the disciples descended from the mountain. The Savior forbade the apostles to reveal the secret of the Transfiguration to anyone,"until the Son of Man rises from the dead"(Mark 9:9).
Favor - Mount of Transfiguration
Tabor is a 588-meter-high mountain located in Israel, 9 kilometers southeast of the city of Nazareth. According to legend, it was on Mount Tabor that the apostles Peter, James and John saw the miraculous Transfiguration of the Lord. Currently, there are two monasteries on the top of the mountain, Orthodox and Catholic.
History of the celebration of the Transfiguration of the Lord
The tradition of celebrating the Transfiguration of the Lord existed already in the 4th century, and, most likely, even earlier. It was in the 4th century that Empress Helen, Equal to the Apostles, built a temple in honor of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. In addition, we read about this holiday in the teachings of Saints Ephraim the Syrian and John Chrysostom. From the 7th century, the word on the Transfiguration of the Lord by St. Andrew of Crete has reached us.
Icon of Transfiguration
The Transfiguration of the Lord is an icon from the Festive Row of the Orthodox iconostasis. Already in the 6th century, the plot of the icon became canonical. Christ is depicted in the center, with the prophets Moses and Elijah standing on both sides of Him. Moreover, Moses in the icon is most often young, and Elijah is old. Just below we see the fallen apostles. The Savior’s white robes shine, light radiates from His face and His entire figure. Icon painters depict Christ in a round or oval halo.
Divine service of the Transfiguration of the Lord
The Feast of the Transfiguration has one day of pre-celebration (August 5) and seven days of post-feast (from 7 to 13 August). The celebration of the holiday takes place in churches on August 13.
The popular name for the Transfiguration of the Lord, “Apple Savior,” reminds us of the ancient tradition of consecrating fruits on this day. In Israel and southern Christian countries, for example, Greece, the grapes were just ripe at the time of the holiday. People carried bunches of grapes, as well as ears of corn, to the temple for blessings and as a sign of gratitude to God.
On Russian lands, grapes did not grow everywhere, so the tradition was transformed - apples began to be blessed. There is a special prayer - “For the consecration of the firstfruits of vegetables (fruits).”
Troparion of the Transfiguration of the Lord
voice 7
Thou art transfigured on the mountain, O Christ God, showing Thy disciples Thy glory, as unto a man, that Thy Light, ever present through the prayers of the Mother of God, may shine upon us sinners, O Light-Giver, glory to Thee.
Kontakion of the Transfiguration of the Lord
voice 7
You were transfigured on the mountain, and as the host of Your disciples, they saw Your glory, O Christ God, so that when they see You crucified, they will understand the free suffering, and the world will preach that You are truly the Father’s radiance.
The Greatness of the Transfiguration of the Lord
We magnify You, Life-Giving Christ, and honor Your most pure flesh, the glorious Transfiguration.
“Apple Savior” - folk traditions of the Transfiguration holiday
The Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Rus' was also called Apple Savior, Savior, Second Savior, Feast of First Fruits, Savior on the Mountain, Middle Savior, Pea Day, Second Meeting of Autumn, First Autumn, Autumn.
“First autumn” means welcoming autumn. Summer was waning, peasants were harvesting crops in the fields and gardens. Apples were brought to churches for blessing. Above them the priest read a special prayer - “For the consecration of the firstfruits of vegetables (fruits).” From this moment on, believers could begin to eat apples and other fruits of the new harvest.
On Apple Spas, housewives baked apple pies and made jam. Relatives and friends were invited to the treat. There was a tradition of feeding the poor - for the glory of God. If someone refused to do this good deed, he was reproached in every possible way: “God forbid, God forbid, to have anything to do with them! He forgot the old and the orphan, did not give them any small good from his wealth, did not look upon the sick and the poor with his goods!” Even on Transfiguration, they sang songs and saw off the sun in the field.
Folk signs and sayings about the Transfiguration
In Rus', many signs and sayings were associated with the Transfiguration of the Lord, or, as it was called, the “Apple Savior”. Most often they tell us not about the Christian meaning of the holiday, but about the weather, the seasons, and the harvest. These sayings reflected the daily life of the common people.
The Savior has come - it’s only an hour.
The second Savior has arrived, take your mittens in reserve.
On the second Spas, take the golitsa in reserve.
What a second Savior, so is January.
Meeting autumn - Autumn.
On the second day of the Savior, apples and honey are blessed.
On the second day, the Savior and the beggar will eat an apple.
What is the day on the Second Savior, such is the Intercession.
A dry day foreshadows a dry autumn, a wet day foretells a wet one, and a clear day foretells a harsh winter.
On this day they see off the sunset in the field with songs.
Whoever wants (to fly away), and the crane to the Savior.
When you eat the first apple, “what is far-fetched will come true, what will come true will not pass away.”
Until the second rescue, they do not eat any fruits except cucumbers.
The holiday is set in memory Transfiguration of the Lord Jesus Christ before three closest disciples: Peter, James and John. Transfiguration(Greek metamorphosis, lat. transfiguratio) means " transformation into another species», « shape change" This is the name of one of the most important events in gospel history, which happened shortly before. Three Evangelists wrote about the Transfiguration of the Lord: Matthew, Luke and Mark. Shortly before the suffering on the cross, the Lord began to tell his disciples about upcoming events:
He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and high priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day rise again (Matthew 16:21).
The Lord also promised that the disciples would see His Glory before the time of suffering came.
Transfiguration of the Lord, XIII centuryAfter these words, eight days later, He took Peter, John and James and went up to the mountain to pray. And when he prayed, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became white and shining. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah; appearing in glory, they spoke of His exodus, which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and those with him were burdened with sleep; but, having awakened, they saw His Glory and two men standing with Him. And when they left Him, Peter said to Jesus: Master! It’s good for us to be here; Let us make three tabernacles: one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah, not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud appeared and overshadowed them; and they were afraid when they entered the cloud. And there came a voice from the cloud, saying: This is My Beloved Son; listen to Him. When this voice came, Jesus was left alone. And they kept silent and did not tell anyone in those days what they saw (Luke 9:28-36).
The booths that Peter proposed to build were temporary housing, huts or tents. The apostles saw the great Israeli prophets appear to the Lord - Moses and. Interpreters of the Gospel explain that Moses symbolizes the dead, Elijah symbolizes the living, since he was taken to heaven while he was alive. Thus, Christ appeared before the disciples as the ruler of the living and the dead. The Lord's clothes were as white as snow. His face was transformed and became different. The apostles saw only a glimpse, the radiance of another - the eternal world. And when they heard the voice of God the Father: “ This is My beloved son, in whom is all My favor; Listen to him", they were overcome with fear and fell face down. Jesus Christ reassured them with the words: “ Stand up and don't be afraid" Rising from the ground, the apostles saw one Savior. Moses and Elijah were no longer invisible. The face and clothes of Jesus Christ already had a normal appearance. Descending from the mountain, the Lord ordered silence about what he saw until the events about which He talked with the prophets took place.
Theological interpretation of the holiday
The Transfiguration of the Son, at which the Father witnesses with a voice from the bright cloud of the Holy Spirit, is appearance of the Persons of the Holy Trinity in one Godhead. The Transfiguration shows that in Jesus Christ two natures are united - divine and human. During the Transfiguration, the divine nature of Christ did not change, but was only revealed in His human nature. According to John Chrysostom, it happened, “ in order to show us the future transformation of our nature and His future coming on the clouds in glory with the angels" The appearance of Moses and Elijah is also symbolic. In the words of John Chrysostom, “ one who has died and the other who has not yet experienced death", appeared in order to show that " Christ has power over life and death and is sovereign over heaven and earth».
The Prophets rejoiced, for they saw His humanity here, which they had not seen before. The Apostles also rejoiced, for they saw here the glory of His Divinity, which they had not previously understood, and heard the voice of the Father testifying about the Son... There was a threefold testimony here: the voice of the Father, Moses and Elijah. They stood before the Lord as ministers and looked at each other - the Prophets at the Apostles, and the Apostles at the Prophets, Saint Moses saw the illuminated Simon-Peter, the steward appointed by the Father looked at the steward appointed by the Son; The Old Testament virgin Elijah saw the New Testament virgin John; the one who ascended on a fiery chariot looked at the one who reclined on the fiery toes of Christ. Thus, the mountain represented the Church, because Jesus united on it the two covenants accepted by the Church, and showed us that He is the Giver of both.
Venerable Ephraim the Syrian
Transfiguration. history of the holiday
The Transfiguration of the Lord took place 40 days before the suffering on the cross and the crucifixion of Christ. But according to a centuries-old tradition, this holiday is one of the fixed ones, independent of the date of Easter. According to established tradition, it takes place in August, 40 days before, when the Church again remembers the suffering of the cross and the death of the Lord on the Cross. This holiday was established in the 4th century - after Emperor Constantine stopped the persecution of Christians, and his mother, Equal-to-the-Apostles Helen, visited Palestine and built many churches on the sites of evangelical events.
Mount of Transfiguration: Tabor and Hermon
The name of the mountain on which the Lord was transfigured is not indicated in the Gospels. According to legend, this happened on the mountain Favore, near Nazareth. A temple was built on Mount Tabor in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Obviously, this is why it is believed that it was on Tabor that the Lord was transfigured. This legend was also reflected in the texts of holiday chants and canons that were compiled after the establishment of the holiday.
Mount Tabor (left) and Hermon (right) However, modern researchers believe that the Transfiguration took place on another mountain - Hermone, since she is taller than Tabor and more secluded. At Tabor at the time of the Savior there was a Roman fortress; its surroundings were densely populated, so there was little space left for prayerful solitude. In addition, Hermon is located north of Tabor, and the events described in the Gospels indicate that the Lord and his disciples walked north. Evangelist Mark also writes that after the Transfiguration the Lord and the apostles passed through Galilee, which also suggests that they were heading to Jerusalem from the vicinity of Hermon. " “- says prophetically in the Psalter (Ps. 88:13).
Transfiguration. Divine service
Worship on the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord it developed gradually. The texts of the festive service that we hear in churches today were written by Byzantine hymnographers in the 5th–8th centuries. The most famous singers: Anatoly, Patriarch of Constantinople (5th century), reverend John of Damascus And Kozma Maiumsky(VIII century). It should be noted that in the festive service the authors of a few stichera are indicated, so we do not know all the hymnographers. In verses on Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord the events witnessed by Christ's closest disciples are described, as well as prophecies about them and an interpretation of what happened. The texts of the festive service indicate the meaning of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Jesus Christ was transfigured in order to assure the apostles of His Divinity and thereby prepare them for the “vision” of His future sufferings and teach them that people “embellished with the height of virtues will be worthy of Divine glory.”
Library of Russian Faith
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The canon says that the Transfiguration of the Lord, as it were, illuminated the souls of the chosen ones with spiritual light, revealed to them the deity of the Savior, united in Him with humanity, and confirmed them in faith in the promise of the Lord. In the transfiguration, the light of Divine nature shone under the cover of human flesh, which in itself, as not involved in sin, was and appeared to be perfect. The Apostle (2 Peter I, 10–19) complements the idea of the canon that the Tabor appearance of the glory of the Lord is proof of His Divine greatness. The Gospel (Matt. XVII, 1–9 v.) depicts the history of the event.
Troparion for the holiday. Church Slavonic text:
P reibrazi1iszz on the mountain xrte b9e, showing the student his1m his glory2, as well as he can. May your ever-present light rise upon us sinners, blessed be the blessings of God, glory to you.
Russian text:
By changing Your appearance on the mountain, O Christ God, You thereby showed Your disciples Your glory, as far as they could see. May Your eternal light, through the prayers of the Mother of God, shine before us sinners: Giver of light, glory to You.
Kontakion for the holiday. Church Slavonic text:
On grief, transformation1sz, and3 є3li1kw in the place of your disciples22, your glory2 xrte b9e seen, yes є3gda tz ќzрzt crucified, art ќbw mean free, worldly preaching, ћkw you2 are truly yours.
Russian text
Lord, You were transfigured on the mountain and Your Disciples, as far as their human feelings allowed them, saw Your glory, so that when they see You crucified they would know that You suffer voluntarily, and so that they would preach to the world that You are truly the Father’s radiance.
Stichera at the Great Vespers of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Church Slavonic text:
On the mountain vys0tse prebbrazhsz sp7s, top0vnyz and 3мёz u§nki2, preslavnw њshistal є4st. showing the height of the virtues of the past, and the greater glory of the past. Glyusha with xrt0m mqisey and3 and3lіS, showing ћkw living and3 dead њpossesses. and 3 and 4 the same ancient law and 3 principles of the chapter є4st bG. є3му1зе и3 з злън§ь, и3зъ џblooms of light have obeyed your eyes, listen to that2. and also the God who has captured, and gives eternal life to the dead.
Russian text:
On a high mountain, the Savior was transfigured, having with him the supreme disciples, and shone with great glory, showing that those who had reached the heights of virtues would be worthy of Divine glory. Moses and Elijah spoke to Christ, showing that He rules over the living and the dead. And He is God, who in ancient times spoke through the law and the prophets. The voice of the Father testified about Him from a bright cloud: “Listen to the One who captivates hell with the Cross and gives eternal life to the dead!”
The texts of the prayers remind believers of prophecies and prototypes of a miraculous event. Thus, a verse from the Psalter is repeated repeatedly: “ Tabor and Hermon will rejoice in Your Name"(Ps. 88:13).
Proverbs on the Transfiguration of the Lord
At the beginning of the evening service, proverbs are read - excerpts from Old Testament books. First proverb talks about Moses, who climbed Mount Sinai, where the Lord gave him the tablets of the Covenant with the Commandments. Rising, Moses saw a cloud - a sign that the Lord was present in this place. This passage from the book of Exodus is read at the service of the Transfiguration because again the Lord appears to Moses in the cloud. Just as the prophet received the Tablets of the Covenant at Sinai, so now the disciples and prophets hear the command of God the Father: “ This is My beloved Son, in whom is all My favor; Listen to him" Moses is a witness to the Transfiguration of the Lord, thereby testifying that the Old Testament has come to an end and the New Testament is coming. Just as Moses brought the Commandments to the people of Israel, so now the apostles will bring the Gospel to all nations.
In the second paremia again we hear about Moses. The prophet speaks to the Lord and asks Him to show the glory of God, wants to see God face to face. In response, Moses hears that seeing God face to face is impossible for any mortal. The prophet hears God’s command to enter the cleft between the rocks, and when the Lord passes by, “ you will see Me from behind, but My face will not be visible [to you]" This text is read at the festive service precisely because during the Transfiguration, centuries after his death, Moses talks with God face to face.
Third proverb- an excerpt from the Third Book of Kings tells about the prophet Elijah, who also appeared to Christ during the Transfiguration. Trying to restore true worship of God in Israel, Elijah is tormented because his efforts are almost ineffective. Elijah even asks God for death. An Angel of the Lord appears to him, gives him bread and water, orders him to eat and drink. After this, Elijah goes to Mount Horeb. After forty days and nights, having reached the mountain, the prophet hears the voice of God: “ go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, and behold, the Lord will pass by, and a great and strong wind will tear apart the mountains and break the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord will not be in the wind; after the wind there is an earthquake, but the Lord is not in the earthquake; after the earthquake there is fire, but the Lord is not in the fire; after the fire there is a breath of quiet wind, [and there is the Lord]"(1 Kings: 19, 11–12).
Transfiguration. Icons
The oldest images of the Transfiguration of the Lord that have reached our time date back to the 6th century. First of all, this is a mosaic from the Church of St. Apollinaris (San Apollinare in Classe) in Rome. In its center is a medallion with a four-pointed cross, symbolizing the Savior. On the sides are Moses and Elijah, and below are three lambs, representing the three apostles. Such symbolism was characteristic of early Christian images, but later it did not become widespread.
Transfiguration. Mosaic of the apse of the Basilica of San Apollinare in Classe. Rome, Italy. 549 On icons, frescoes, and miniatures of the Transfiguration of the Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ is depicted in the center, standing on a mountain in clothes as white as snow. On either side of him are the prophets, at the foot of the mountain are the apostles lying prostrate. It was this composition that became widespread in Byzantine and Russian icon painting.
Transfiguration. Mosaic from the Monastery of St. Catherine, Sinai. VI century 
Icon of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery. XV century 
Icon of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Theophanes the Greek. XV century
Three "Spas" in Rus'. Apple Spas
On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, believers bring the fruits of the new harvest to the temple for blessing. In the east, grapes are ripe by this time, and in Rus' it has long been customary to bring apples, which is why the popular name for the holiday came from - Apple Spas. The custom of offering “firstfruits” to God originates in the Old Testament. During the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, the first fruits of the new harvest were to be brought to the Temple in Jerusalem. Since the first centuries, Christians also brought first fruits to the temple. First of all, these were grapes from which wine was made for. This is also recalled by the prayer that the priest reads after the Liturgy over the fruits brought to the temple: “ God our Savior... bless these grapes" After reading the prayer, the priest sprinkles the fruits with holy water.
Grapes at Transfiguration In Rus', this day is considered everywhere to be a holiday of the harvest and fruits of the earth. But since by the day of August 6th not all the fruits had ripened yet (some ripened earlier), the peasants made three out of one holiday and celebrated it everywhere first Savior(August 1st Old Style), second Savior(August 6, O.S.) and third Savior(August 16, old style).
First Spas everywhere called " honeyed”, and in some places “wet”. These names came from the fact that before the first Savior the bees trimmed the hives with honey for the second time and, having chosen the best linden honeycomb, carried it to the church “to commemorate their parents.” For the same day, “copper” kvass was brewed and treated to everyone who came to visit. The first Savior was called “wet” because, according to the establishment of the church, on this day there was a religious procession to rivers and springs for the blessing of water. And since the peasants not only bathed themselves after the religious procession, but also used to bathe in the rivers all the livestock that seemed to be healthy after this, it is not surprising that the holiday itself was called “wet”.
Second Spas almost universally called " apple", since from now on it is allowed to eat garden fruits and garden vegetables. The peasants honored this day as a very big holiday, but they rarely realized the true meaning of the event that the Church remembers. Only in some places the second Savior was called “Savior on the Mountain” (a name that suggests familiarity with the Holy Scriptures); in most cases, the peasants did not know what the Transfiguration of the Lord was, and considered the second Savior simply a holiday of earthly fruits. Accordingly, on August 6th (Old Art.), the entire porch of the parish churches was filled with tables on which mountains of peas, potatoes, cucumbers, turnips, rutabaga, rye, barley, apples and other things were piled. The priest blessed all these fruits of the harvest after mass and read a prayer over them, for which the grateful parishioners poured the so-called “firstfruits” into special baskets, that is, a little from each type of fruit brought.
In some places, for example, in the Vologda province, a special custom was associated with the day of the Transfiguration of the Lord, popularly known as “dining”. In the square, in front of the church, they placed a long row of tables, covered them with clean tablecloths, and all the village housewives took upon themselves the responsibility of filling these tables with all kinds of food, which was eaten by the parishioners after mass and the religious procession.
Apple Spas Third Spas celebrated in honor of the Image Not Made by Hands. In the language of the peasants it was called " Spas on the canvas" or " nut" Spas. The last name was given because by this time hazelnuts ripen in the central zone of Russia, and the first indicates the very idea of the holiday (“Savior on canvas”, i.e. an image, an icon). But the third Savior was not known throughout all of Russia; where it was celebrated, this day hardly stood out in any way among village everyday life, except for church prayers and the custom of baking pies from new bread.
Thus, of the three “Spasov”, the second one was most revered by the peasants, coinciding with the church holiday of the Transfiguration of the Lord.
About abstinence from eating grapes and apples until the Transfiguration
It has long been customary to abstain from eating the fruits of a new harvest until its consecration, that is, until the Feast of the Transfiguration. Old printed liturgical books contain a direct ban on eating grapes before the holiday. Since there were no grapes in Rus', apples were blessed instead on Transfiguration. Accordingly, they began to eat them only after the holiday. Those who violated the ban and, due to forgetfulness or intemperance, tried apples ahead of schedule, were ordered as punishment not to eat them for forty days after the Savior, in order to atone for their guilt. Those peasants whose children died in infancy especially had to refrain from eating the fruits prematurely, since it was believed that in the next world golden apples grew on silver trees, and these apples were distributed only to those deceased children whose parents firmly remembered the law and strictly abstain from eating fruits until the second Savior.
Spaso-Preobrazhensky churches in Rus'
For a long time in Rus', numerous temples in the name of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Old Russian, pre-Mongolian ones have survived to this day. Spaso-Preobrazhensky churches. The first Russian monastery was also dedicated to the Feast of the Transfiguration, which for some time after the church schism of the 17th century was a stronghold.
Transfiguration Cathedral in Chernigov (XI century)
The oldest surviving temple is Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral in Chernigov. It was founded around 1030–1040 by Prince Mstislav, son of the Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir, baptist of Rus'. It was the main temple of the Chernigov-Seversky principality.
Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral in Chernigov (Ukraine) The cathedral has survived to this day, partially rebuilt after the devastating fire of 1756, when all the interior burned out. The rich interior decoration of this monument of ancient Russian architecture is evidenced by the remains of frescoes, carved slabs of choirs, floors, and columns. He was buried in the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral Prince Igor Seversky, sung in " The Tale of Igor's Campaign», Igor Chernigovsky and other princes of that era.
Church of the Transfiguration in Polotsk (mid-12th century)
Has survived to this day and Spaso-Preobrazhenskaya Church in Polotsk, built in the middle of the 12th century. The temple is relatively small in size, simple in plan, has a monumental appearance with a single apse. The most characteristic features of the original Spassky Cathedral (darkened by later reconstructions) are the predominance of the external volume over the internal, as well as the tiered external composition. The source of the tiered construction could be folk wooden architecture.
Church of the Transfiguration in Polotsk (Belarus) The temple has been completely preserved; it is supplemented with superstructures from the 17th–19th centuries in the roof area. In the 1830s. the temple was recognized as dilapidated, but they decided not to demolish it, but to restore it based on what it represents “ a precious monument of ancient architecture for Russia" Inside, frescoes from the 12th century have been preserved. Almost the entire area of the painting has been preserved. The original appearance of the temple is depicted on an ancient clergy fresco, recently unveiled in the cell of St. Euphrosyne of Polotsk in the choir of the church.
Church of the Savior on Nereditsa in Veliky Novgorod (XII century)
In the name of the Transfiguration of the Lord it was consecrated in Veliky Novgorod and Church of the Savior on Nereditsa, known to all experts in ancient Russian architecture and icon painting. It was built in one summer of 1198 by the Novgorod prince Yaroslav Vladimirovich in memory of two deceased sons. Its walls were completely covered with frescoes.
Church of the Savior on Nereditsa, Veliky Novgorod. Photo from 1900 The paintings were actively studied and described from the beginning of the 20th century until the 1930s. The frescoes of Nereditsa are the most precious monument of Novgorod monumental painting of the 12th century. This was a completed and well-preserved fresco cycle of pre-Mongol Rus'. In 1903–1904, under the direction of the architect P. P. Pokryshkina The first restoration of the temple was carried out. During the Great Patriotic War, the temple was destroyed almost to the ground, and the paintings were also destroyed. Thanks to surviving descriptions, copies and photographs, iconographic material from the Church of the Transfiguration on Nereditsa is constantly used by art historians in comparative analysis. The temple was restored in 1956–58. In 2001, the Novgorod architectural and archaeological expedition carried out excavations inside the temple. Sections of original painting from 1199 and a tomb with the remains of a Moscow prince were discovered Afanasy Danilovich, descendant of Rurikovich, brother Ivan Kalita and grandson Alexander Nevsky, buried here, according to chronicle sources, in 1322. The comprehensive architectural restoration of the Church of the Transfiguration on Nereditsa was completed in 2004. The temple is included in the list UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Spaso-Preobrazhensky Church on Kizhi Island, Lake Onega (XVII century)
Another architectural monument, also included in the UNESCO list, is a unique wooden Spaso-Preobrazhensky Church on Kizhi Island, Lake Onega. It was built in 1714 on the site of the tented church of the same name, which burned down in 1694.
Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord on Kizhi Island According to one legend, the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord was built with one ax (initially without nails) by a carpenter Nestor. The builder threw the ax into the lake so that no one could repeat the same majestic building. The temple is crowned with 22 domes, its height from the base to the cross of the central dome is 37 m.
Transfiguration churches of old Moscow
There were many Transfiguration churches in old Moscow. The first of them was built in the second half of the 13th century. Built by the prince Daniil Moskovsky The wooden Cathedral of the Transfiguration on Bor was rebuilt by Prince Ivan Kalita into a stone one. The temple became the burial place of the great duchesses. It has not survived to this day; it was destroyed under Soviet rule.
Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery in Murom
One of the first Russian monasteries - Spaso-Preobrazhensky in Murom. According to legend, it was founded (no later than 1015) by the noble prince, the son of the Grand Duke, the baptist of Rus'. In chronicles this monastery is mentioned earlier than all other Russian monasteries. IN " Tales of Bygone Years"The existence of this monastery is mentioned in 1096.
Murom Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery. Founded by the passion-bearing prince Gleb During the church reform of the 17th century, the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery in Murom remained for a long time stronghold of the Old Believers. Its rector is Archimandrite Anthony(1658–1662) wrote several appeals about the laying down of the ring, and also sent a petition to the king Alexey Mikhailovich with indications of inaccuracies in the correction of books when Patriarch Nikon, adding that those who are unable to expose infidelity refer to the king, “ like the king sings tacos».
Transfiguration Monasteries and Old Believers Churches
He also played a great role in the history of the Old Believers. Preobrazhensky almshouse- religious center of the Old Believers-Bespopovsky Fedoseevsky Consent in Moscow. Founded during the plague epidemic in 1771 in the village of Preobrazhenskoye, the almshouse eventually became a monastic monastery, divided into male and female courtyards. In the Old Believers, the tradition of consecrating churches in the name of the Transfiguration of the Lord has been preserved to this day. True, there are much fewer of them than, say, the Pokrovskys, but many Old Believer communities celebrate the patronal feast of the Transfiguration. In the name of the Transfiguration of the Lord, the churches of the Russian Orthodox Old Believer Church in the Republic of Mari El, Bryansk region were consecrated.
Spaso-Preobrazhensky Church of the Russian Orthodox Church in Kostroma The Transfiguration churches of the Russian Ancient Orthodox Church are located in the Bryansk region, (Belarus). The temple holiday is celebrated by the Pomeranian communities of Nizhny Novgorod, the village of Ugly, Mogilev district (Belarus), and the city of Paskutishki (Lithuania).
In commemoration of the Transfiguration of the Lord Jesus Christ, which took place according to church tradition on Mount Tabor, since ancient times the Christian Church has established the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, which occurs on August 19/6 and is considered one of the Lord's greatest twelve holidays, has 1 day of forefeast and 7 days of afterfeast. The surrender takes place on August 13/26.
Icon "Transfiguration" Jesus Christ
So that the celebration does not take place during Lent, the Orthodox Church deliberately postponed it to August 19 (06) - forty days before the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord, although according to the chronology of the Gospel, the event took place 40 days before the suffering of Jesus on the cross.
And this was given to the disciples so that they could see what awaits a person at the end of life, what kind of light of Transfiguration awaits us at the end of centuries. And therefore, the Church timed this holiday, the Feast of the Transfiguration, to coincide with the last days of the calendar church year, the time of results and fruits. From the collection "Light Shines in the Darkness" by A. Men
And yet the holiday falls during the Dormition Fast, but on this day relaxation is allowed - fish is allowed at the meal.
Having received baptism from John and then, having defeated the temptation of the devil, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to preach the Gospel. In cities and villages, in mountains and deserts, a great multitude of people listened to His saving teachings and saw His amazing miracles.
But from among the many who followed the Divine Teacher, he chose twelve disciples, with whom he primarily revealed the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, and who were constant witnesses of his life and teaching.
The Lord often told his chosen disciples what was appropriate for him go to Jerusalem and suffer a lot and be killed(Matt. 16:1). But the disciples at first did not understand the need for the cross and were afraid of the thought of the suffering of their beloved Teacher.
Rice. P.F. Borel
Believing that he was the promised Messiah, they wondered how he could suffer and die. Therefore, the Lord showed them by the following miraculous event that he was truly the Son of God and that he would suffer voluntarily, as predicted by the Prophets. Taking with him the Apostles Peter, James and John, Jesus Christ led them to Mount Tabor, and here he indulged in solitary prayer.
The Gospel does not directly say that the transfiguration took place on Mount Tabor. Only Isaiah has the words that the former time diminished the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but the next will exalt it, and the people walking in darkness will see a great light - the light will shine on those living in the land of the shadow of death. (9:1,2) On the border of the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, Tabor rises. Modern theologians consider the Mount of Transfiguration not Tabor, but one of the spurs of Mount Hermon. (Wikipedia)
During prayer, His face suddenly transformed, becoming as bright as the sun, and His clothes as white as snow. Then the ancient God-seers and the greatest prophets appeared: Saint Elijah - from heaven and Moses - from the land of the dead.
Transfiguration. Fragment of the painting of the northeastern sail of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. The author of the recreation is V.A. Bakshaev
The apostles were amazed and amazed by this wonderful phenomenon - amid such glory and greatness, their Divine Teacher talks with the prophets about the suffering that awaited him in Jerusalem. And Saint Peter, out of his fiery love for the Lord, begs Him to remain forever on Tabor, together with Moses and Elijah, far from envious people and persecutors.
Titian Vecellio. Transfiguration of the Lord, 1560
He had not yet finished his strange request when a bright cloud overshadowed everyone who was on Tabor, and a voice was heard from the cloud: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: listen to him!”(Matthew 17:5) The apostles fell on their faces and were as if they were dead from fear.
At the end of the wonderful vision, the Lord approached them, calmed them down and commanded them, until the time of His resurrection from the dead, not to tell anyone about what they had seen and heard on Tabor. But all the more solemnly such a great event should be proclaimed after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, for the edification of all who believe in him.
Celebration - traditions, customs, rituals
- On the day of the Transfiguration of the Lord, a festive liturgy is performed in churches, parimia are read, a canon is sung, the priests are dressed in white robes, symbolizing the divine uncreated Tabor light.
- The rules of the Apostles (3rd rule) and the IV Ecumenical Council (28th rule) established on this day that the Church consecrate ripened fruits and bunches, as a sign of gratitude to God, who gave them for food. Orthodox Christians usually bring to the temple, for consecration, the first of the ripening fruits of the earth: grapes, apples, pears and others.
- The popular name of the holiday is Apple Savior, Second Savior, Transfiguration of the Savior.
Until this day, there was a custom to observe the so-called “apple fast”, not to eat the fruits of the new harvest, except for cucumbers. (V.I. Dal, Mesyatseslov)
Transfiguration (Video)
Literature:
Lessons from Archpriest I. Yakhontov, 1864, St. Petersburg.
A. Men, “The light shines in the darkness”
IN AND. Dahl, Mesyatseslov
Wikipedia
One of the greatest evangelical events sung annually in the Christian world is the Transfiguration of the Lord. The history of the holiday began around the 4th century, when, on the initiative of Saint Queen Helena, a Christian temple was built, consecrated in honor of the Transfiguration. According to the Gospel narratives, the events described took place approximately 40 days before the spring holiday of Easter, but Eastern Christians celebrate the holiday in the summer. The tradition of celebrating the Transfiguration in August is associated with Great Lent: in order not to be mentally distracted from the events of the Holy Pentecost, the holiday was moved to another period of the year. 40 days after the Transfiguration, Christians celebrate the Exaltation of the Honest and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, thereby reminding themselves of the chronology of the Gospel events.
Transfiguration. history of the holiday
The history of the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, is described in the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, Mark, and these 3 narratives are very similar to each other.
As the Holy Scripture says, the Son of God took his beloved disciples - John, Peter and James - and ascended with them to Mount Tabor with the goal of praying to the Heavenly Father. Here, during prayer, his face brightened like the sun, and his clothes became white like snow. At the same time, the prophets Moses and Elijah were near the Son of God, talking with him about the coming redemptive suffering.
When the disciples saw such a transformation of their Teacher, Peter, the most ardent of them, said: “Teacher, it’s good for us to be here, let’s place three tabernacles (tents) here - for You, Moses and Elijah.” After this, they were surrounded by a cloud, from which the disciples heard the voice of the Heavenly Father, saying: “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him.” Then the vision ended, and Jesus Christ forbade the disciples to tell anyone what they saw until His Resurrection from the dead took place.
What does this incident mean in a spiritual sense? It is known that the Lord, while living on earth, did not perform any random signs or wonders. Every extraordinary event described in the Gospels necessarily has an instructive meaning and moral edification. The theological interpretation of the event of the Transfiguration of the Lord is as follows:
- Appearance of the Holy Trinity. This is not the first time since the birth of Christ that the appearance of the One God has taken place. The first similar event occurred on the day when, at the descent of the Holy Spirit, the voice of the Father was heard by all those present, recognizing His Son in Jesus Christ. The same thing happens on Tabor, when God the Father calls from the cloud to listen to His teaching. This is how the Epiphany happened, that is, the revelation of the Persons of the Holy Trinity to people.
- The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ demonstrates the union of two natures in the Son of God - Divine and human. Disputes about the duality of the nature of Christ have not stopped for many centuries among many Christian theologians. According to the interpretation of the Holy Fathers, the Transfiguration occurred as a sign of the future transformation of all people in the Kingdom of Heaven.
- In addition, the appearance of the prophets of the Old Testament - Elijah and Moses - is also symbolic here. It is known that the prophet Moses died a natural death, and the prophet Elijah was taken in his flesh to heaven. The events of the holiday, described by the holy Evangelists, show the power of the Son of God over life and death, His royal dominion over heaven and earth.
Date of celebration of the Transfiguration
The patristic theological teaching left a model for posterity on how such an evangelical event as the Transfiguration of the Lord should be perceived. The history of the holiday is remembered annually by all Christian believers. In the Orthodox Church, this event is celebrated on August 19 according to the new style, and the holiday is one of the twelve (that is, it is one of the 12 great holidays that Orthodox Christians celebrate annually).
Features of the holiday
This holiday is popularly called Apple Savior. The Transfiguration of the Lord bears this name because on this day, according to church regulations, the fruits of the new harvest should be blessed. There is a long-standing pious tradition of bringing various fruits to the holiday to perform a special prayer over them, which is read in churches after the liturgy.
In addition, on this day Orthodox Christians are allowed to taste the fruits of the new harvest for the first time, since before the Feast of the Transfiguration there is a ban on the consumption of apples and grapes. This is a specific restriction on fresh fruits that begins with and ends with Transfiguration.
When celebrating this holiday, the clergy wear white vestments, symbolizing the eternal divine light revealed by Jesus Christ on Tabor.
On the Transfiguration of the Lord (Apple Savior) in the Orthodox world, the consumption of fish is allowed as a relaxation of strict fasting in honor of the holy holiday.
Festive akathist
The Akathist to the Transfiguration of the Lord describes in detail the events of the holiday, interpreting the theological features of the gospel event. The prayers of praise and petition included in the akathist are addressed to the Lord Jesus Christ. Each ikos ends with the words that he said to the Savior on Tabor in the highest moment of heartfelt tenderness: “Jesus, Eternal God, it is good for us to always be under the shelter of Thy grace.” Thus, we, like the supreme apostle, glorify the mercy of God, which is capable of elevating human nature to Divine greatness.
The dedication of the Transfiguration takes place on August 26, a week after the holiday. The Akathist to the Transfiguration of the Lord is often performed in Orthodox churches in the evening, on the day of the holiday. It can also be read throughout the post-feast period.
In the akathist “Transfiguration of the Lord,” the prayer dedicated to the festive event is located at the very end. It is often read in Orthodox churches after the festive liturgy.
Folk celebration traditions
Orthodox Christians around the world especially honor the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. There are also centuries-old traditions of celebrating this event. The day before, all Christians try to prepare a supply of freshly harvested fruit. Many farmers store fruits grown on their own plots.
On the day of the holiday, Christians bring the most beautiful and ripe fruits to the temple and place them on the central table, preparing for consecration. Young children love this tradition very much; they wait with excitement and trepidation for the priest’s prayer “for the blessing of fruits,” and try to hold fruit baskets on their own, without the help of adults. Some families have a custom of congratulating each other and giving various gifts for the Transfiguration of the Lord. Congratulations are often presented in poetic form. After the service, Christians go home to have a festive meal. There is a pious tradition here to start lunch with blessed fruits. There is also a slight relaxation of fasting - eating fish is allowed at meals. Many Orthodox housewives prepare a variety of dishes for the Apple Savior (Transfiguration of the Lord). These can be apple and honey pies, jams.
Transfiguration. Congratulation
Many Orthodox Christians write holiday greetings to each other in verse, sending telegrams or SMS. For example, it is a widespread practice to give poems for the Transfiguration of the Lord. In addition to written congratulations, it is customary among Christians to treat each other to fruits, apple pies, and to visit each other.
Celebration of the Transfiguration in the Holy Land
The Transfiguration of the Lord is celebrated in a special way in the Holy Land. Throughout the year, Tabor is secluded and secluded. Small pilgrimage groups visit this place mainly during the period from Lent to Pentecost. But for the Feast of the Transfiguration there is a special mood on Mount Tabor, as numerous pilgrims and tourists from Russia fill pilgrim hostels and hotel rooms. From the surrounding areas - Kafr Yasif, Nazareth, Acre, Haifa, Cana of Galilee - groups of believers also arrive who want to visit the holy event directly on the holiday.
After the evening service, pious Christians have dinner and try to go to bed early in order to attend the festive service at dawn. At the liturgy, almost all pilgrims receive Holy Communion. In addition, local believers have a tradition of baptizing infants on this holiday.
The Christian natives celebrate the holy event in a completely opposite way. Set up in tents in the monastery courtyard, they drink alcohol, play musical instruments, dance, shoot guns, sing funny folk songs, have funny conversations, which often turn into a showdown, ending in a fight. The noisy celebration ends at dawn, when the first bell rings, signaling the beginning of matins.
After the service, a procession of the cross takes place, which the believing natives greet with cheerful shouts and gunshots. Also, the reckless fun continues after the liturgy.
Folk signs for the Transfiguration of the Lord
Folk traditions of celebrating such an event as the Transfiguration of the Lord are widespread among the people. The signs left in popular belief are mainly related to the harvest. For example, there is a tradition on this day to treat the poor or needy with fruits grown in one’s garden. In this case, there is a belief that next year will be especially fruitful. In addition, if you were unable to meet a needy beggar on this day, this means that the next year will have a poor harvest. This is how the proverb was born: “In the apple tree, even a beggar will eat an apple.”
There was also a tradition on the day of the Transfiguration of the Lord to eat at least one apple with honey. This was considered a guarantee of good health for the next year.
Among other things, there was a tradition of harvesting the entire grain harvest before August 19, since it was believed that after this date any rain would be destructive for it (the so-called grain rain).
The church practice of not eating the fruits of a fresh harvest is directly related to their degree of ripeness. It is known that apples and grapes fully ripen only towards the end of August, becoming useful for the body. Also deeply rooted in the popular consciousness is the connection between the violation of the “Apple Fast” and the sin of the foremother Eve, who ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden and thereby brought the wrath of God on all humanity. That is why the common people especially monitor the tradition of not eating fresh apples in the period before the Transfiguration.
According to the teachings of the Orthodox Church, one should greet the Transfiguration of the Lord with purity and love. Signs should not be taken seriously; one should not treat them as irrefutable dogmas.
Transformation in 2014
On August 19, 2014, the Transfiguration of the Lord was celebrated again. The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church performed the Holy Liturgy in the men's room. According to custom, after the service, the Patriarch of Moscow delivered a sermon in which he spoke about the history and significance of the Transfiguration in the life of every Christian. Patriarch Kirill cordially congratulated the monastery brethren led by Father Archimandrite on the holiday and thanked them for the gifts they presented. This is how the congratulations of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' took place on the Transfiguration of the Lord on the holy land of Solovetsky. In addition, His Holiness donated the image of St. Seraphim of Vyritsky to the monastery.
The Church of the Lord, in which His Holiness the Patriarch served the liturgy, is located on the territory of the Solovetsky Monastery - this is a majestic ancient cathedral, built in 1558. On this day, a patronal feast is celebrated in this cathedral.
It fell on August 19, 2014 - the Transfiguration of the Lord - on Tuesday. The features of the holiday service are such that if August 19 falls on a Sunday, then all the features of the Sunday service are canceled. Hymns, stichera, and canons will be dedicated only to the main holiday, especially since this is the Transfiguration of the Lord. The service that will be performed on any other day of the week is no different from the Sunday version.
Features of this service:
- The entire service is dedicated only to the holiday.
- At Matins, a magnification of the holiday is sung with verses from a selected psalm.
- “The Most Honest” is not sung at Matins, but is replaced by the refrains of the holiday.
- During the liturgy, the antiphons of the Transfiguration are sung.
- At the great entrance, the entrance festive verse is read.
- The Zadostoynik is sung.
- After reading the prayer behind the pulpit, the fruits of the new harvest are consecrated.
- At Vespers on the very day of the holiday, the great prokeimenon is sung.
Conclusion
The Transfiguration of the Lord is very important in the Christian world. The history of the holiday reveals its symbolism. The mountain undoubtedly signifies silence and a secluded place - these are the conditions for mental union with God in pure prayer. The name "Favor" is translated as "light, purity", which symbolizes the cleansing of the soul from the burden of sins, its enlightenment in God. The Transfiguration of the Savior signifies the main goal of Christian life - the complete victory of the spirit over bodily passions, cleansing from everyday dirt and the acceptance of Divine light, which is possible for any person striving for God.
