The Transfiguration of the Savior on Mount Tabor: The Uncreated Light, the Deification of Man, and the Grace of Athos

The Transfiguration of the Savior on Mount Tabor: The Uncreated Light, the Deification of Man, and the Grace of Athos

Today, August 6th, our Orthodox Church celebrates and honors with particular splendor one of the greatest Great Feasts of Christianity: the Transfiguration of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ on Mount Tabor.

In the heart of the Dormition Fast, this feast dawns as a spiritual beacon, offering a foretaste of the future glory of the Kingdom of Heaven and revealing the ultimate destination of man: theosis (deification) and communion with divine glory.

Historical Overview: The Event on Mount Tabor

According to the Gospel narratives (Matthew, Mark,Luke), Christ, taking with Him His three chief disciples (Peter, James, and John) went up to "a high mountain," Tabor, to pray.

During the prayer, the face of the Lord shone like the sun, and His garments became white as light. Simultaneously, two of the most prominent figures of the Old Testament appeared and conversed with Him: Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets), bearing witness that Jesus is the awaited Messiah.

Then, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and the voice of God the Father was heard: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear Him."

Why only three disciples? Peter, James, and John were chosen because they excelled: Peter in fervent faith, James in great love/martyrdom, and John in purity and theology.

Why before the Passion? Christ revealed Himself as God before His disciples prior to the Crucifixion so that when they would see Him suffering on Golgotha, they would understand that the Passion was voluntary and their faith would not be shaken.

Theological Anatomy: The Uncreated Light and the Hesychast Tradition

The Transfiguration was not a change that occurred in Christ, but a change that occurred in the eyes of the Disciples. Christ did not become something He was not; He simply opened the eyes of the Apostles' souls so they could behold the glory He always possessed as God.

The Uncreated Light:
The light of Tabor is not created (meaning a creature/creation like the light of the sun), but the uncreated energy of God. It is the very divine glory that surrounds the Holy Trinity.

Saint Gregory Palamas and Hesychasm:
In the 14th century, the great Athonite father, Saint Gregory Palamas, defended the theology of the Uncreated Light against Western rationalists. Saint Gregory taught that man can become a partaker of God not in His essence (which remains inaccessible), but in His uncreated energies. Through pure prayer, fasting, and a hesychastic lifestyle, the believer can be deemed worthy to experience the Light of Tabor within their own heart.

What the Holy Fathers Teach About the Transfiguration

Saint John Chrysostom:

"The Lord was transfigured to show us the future transfiguration of our bodies during the General Resurrection, when the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father."

Saint John of Damascus:

"Today Christ on Tabor alters human nature. Our nature, darkened by sin, He brightens and deifies, imparting to it His own radiance."

Saint Seraphim of Sarov:

"The purpose of Christian life is the acquisition of the Holy Spirit. When a person is filled with Grace, then they are entirely transformed into light, peace, and joy, like the Apostles on Tabor."

Saint Porphyrios the Bairaktaris (Kavsokalyvitis):

"When Christ comes into the heart, the soul is transformed. Darkness leaves, fears leave, passions leave, and their place is taken by the Light of Christ."

Dispensation of Fish & The Custom of the Blessing of Grapes

Despite the fact that we are going through the strict Dormition Fast, our Church, due to the great feast's significance, decrees today a dispensation of fish (fish, oil, and wine are permitted) for all the faithful.

Along with this, there is the ancient liturgical custom of the blessing of grapes after the Divine Liturgy. The priest reads the special prayer and blesses the first fruits of the vine. The grape symbolizes the transfiguration of nature: just as grape juice is transformed into wine and subsequently into the Body and Blood of Christ in the Holy Eucharist, so too is man called to be transformed spiritually.

Athonite Honor: The Chapel of the Transfiguration on the Peak of Athos

On Mount Athos, the feast of the Transfiguration holds a special place. On the highest peak of Athos (2,033 meters) stands the historical and picturesque Chapel of the Transfiguration of the Savior.

Every year, dozens of Athonite monks and pilgrims make the arduous trek to the summit, where a celebratory all-night vigil is held in an atmosphere of heavenly devotion. There, above the clouds, between heaven and earth, the prayers of the fathers unite with the Uncreated Light of Tabor.

Bring the Light of the Transfiguration into Your Home

Today's feast is an invitation to seek inner light and spiritual rebirth in our families.

At Athonian.gr, with respect for the Athonite Tradition, we offer you the opportunity to connect with the grace of the feast:

Icons of the Transfiguration of the Savior: Handmade icons of the Transfiguration crafted with gold leaf on natural wood by Athonite fathers.

Athonite Wines & Nama: Authentic wines from the vineyards of the Holy Monasteries of Mount Athos, suitable for the day's festive table and the Holy Eucharist.

Authentic Athonite Incense: Prepared with prayer and pure essential oils in the cells of Athos, to fill your iconostasis with fragrance.

Christian Jewelry & Crosses: Silver crosses and blessings to accompany you with the radiant grace of the Lord.

May the Transfigured Lord illuminate the hearts of us all with His Uncreated Light, granting health, peace, and spiritual enlightenment! Many and blessed years!