Orthodox Christians mark Transfiguration of Christ

On Thursday Orthodox Christians mark the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel says that once Jesus transfigured in front of His disciples John, Jacob and Peter - His body and clothes became illumined with light.

This actually happened in February, 40 days before Easter, but the Church transferred this holiday to August so that it doesn’t correspond with Lent.

It is traditionally believed that Christ’s Transfiguration took place on Tabor Mountain in northern Israel.

In the 4th century A. D. Byzantine empress Helen built a church on Tabor and started the tradition of celebrating the day of Transfiguration.

On this day a Divine Liturgy is served in churches, and then priests bless the new harvest. In the Middle East grapes ripen by this day.

In some parts of Russia it’s too cold for grape, but it’s the day when apples ripen.

Thus, Russian popular tradition sees this day as a holiday of apples.