THE TRANSFIGURATION THEME
IN ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY

© 1998, 2001 by Orchid Land Publications
[updated 1-8-00]

       An enduring theme in Orthodox Christianity has been the theme of Transfiguration of Christ (on Mt. Tabor/Thavor; Mat. 17:5-8, Luke 9:28-36), when Jesus's closest disciples were miraculously permitted to behold the uncreated Light of God, and the transfiguration of the devout individual.   After the Transfiguration, the Apostle could say (John 1:14), "We beheld His Glory, the Glory of the Only-Begotten from the Father, [and the Logos is] full of Grace and truth."  Often associated with Mt. Tabor has been the image of Mt. Sinai in Ex. 19:16-24, 33:12-23:  Mt. Tabor complements and fulfills the earlier "mountain experience."   
     The proper anthems for the Festival of the Transfiguration include the following: 

Come, let us rejoice, mounting up from the earth to the highest contemplation of the virtues:  Let us be transformed this day into a better condition and direct our minds to heavingly things, having been shaped anew in piety according to the form of Christ; for in His mercy, the Savior of our souls has transfigured disfigured humanity and let it shine with Light on Mount Tabor.

The gleaming cloud of the Transfiguration has taken the place of the Law's darkness:  Moses and Elias [or Elijah] were counted worthy of this glory brighter than light and, taken up within it, they said to God, "You are our God, the King of the ages."

The mountain that was once gloomy and veiled with smoke has become venerable and holy now that Your feet, Lord, have trodden on it.  For Your dread Transfiguration--the mystery hidden before the ages--was made manifest in the latest age to Peter, John, and James.  Unable to endure the shining of Your countenance and the radiance of Your garments, they fell to the ground on their faces; overcome with astonishment and wonder, they saw Moses and Elias speaking with You of the things that were to befall You; and a voice of testimony came from the Father saying, "This is my beloved Son in Whom I am well-pleased:  Hear Him; He is the One Who grants the world the great mercy."

Christ our God, You Who were transfigured in glory on Mount Tabor, disclosing to Your disciples the splendor of Your Divinity:  Enlighten us too with the Light of Your Knowledge, and guide us in the way of Your commandments; for You alone are good and cherish the human race.

Come, let us go up the Lord's mountain, right up to our God's dwelling, and behold the glory of His Transfiguration--a glory as of the Only- begotten of the Father.  Let us receive Light from His Light and with uplifted spirits forever sing the praises of the consubstantial Trinity.

You were transfigured on Mount Tabor, Jesus. And a shining cloud, extended like a tent, covered the Apostles with Your glory--at which their gaze fell to the ground, for they were unable to bear to look at the radiance of the unapproachable glory of Your face, Savior, Christ our God, Who are without a beginning,   Who shined on them with Your Light:  Now give Light to our souls.

Today, as He promised, Christ, radiating brightness on Mount Tabor, partially revealed to His disciples the Icon [or Image] and reflection of the divine Radiance; and they, filled with godlike and Light-bearing splendor, cried out for joy, "Let us sing to our God, for He has been glorified."

and many, many more similar anthems during the services of the day.
    St. Gregory PalamAs (almost at the end of the Byzantine era) worked out the implications of our Savior's Transfiguration.  The disciples present were miraculously permitted to see what all of the faithful will one day see--and a few Saints have seen during their lifetimes:  the uncreated Light that is the divine Nature and Energy.  The faithful will be transfigured by the Vision of this Light and indeed be divinized (2 Pet. 1:4).  Through their incorporation--by Christ's Grace or Energies--into His mysteric (sacramental) risen Body, the faithful eventually receive all of His attributes except to become partakers of the divine Essence--which is beyond being.   So teaches the holy Orthodox Church.