Triumph of soul transformation

On August 19th, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes referred to as a triumph of soul transformation, this day has traditionally been one of the twelve Great Orthodox Feasts - the twelve major holidays for the faithful.

All four Gospels describe how Our Lord Jesus Christ, accompanied by three of his disciples - Peter, James and John, went to the mountain Favor, located in the northern part of present-day Israel, to pray. Suddenly, the Savior changed, his face became radiant as the sun, and the clothes were as white as snow. Thus, he disclosed his Deity, said spokesman for the Moscow Patriarchate Georgy Roshchin:

"The Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ holiday is urging all faithful to transform their hearts and souls. Owing to this biblical occurrence people should think of what their hearts look like, whether God is kept inside them or they are still seeking Him. The faithful also need to address their thoughts and will to God and muse over living a spiritual life." 

The history of the holiday’s establishment is quite interesting too. Initially less solemn and large-scale in character, it was celebrated only in Palestine. Only in the 15th century, the Transfiguration of the Savior became one of the major Christian holidays, even though the occurrence itself was more symbolic than historical. Gospels say that the virtual absorption of Jesus Christ’s human nature by His divinity took place 40 days before Easter, approximately in March-April, according to present-day calendars. Since Orthodox Christians have a strick fast on those days, it was decided back in the Middle Age to move the celebrations to August. There are still numerous disputes over the precise date of the holiday - the Catholic Church marks the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6th if it is Sunday, or on the first following Sunday. In the Orthodox calendar, the holiday is celebrated on a fixed date - August 19th.  

Since the old days, the Transfiguration of the Savior has been known as the Apple Feast, since it was traditionally apple harvest time in Russia. This year, abnormal heat has caused Moscow apple trees to bloom a second time, which the faithful believe is a special sign from above.