Old-Style Orthodox christians celebrate transfiguration of Jesus Christ
Old-style Orthodox Christians on Saturday celebrated the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ, one of the grandest religious holidays in the Orthodox Church.
The holiday commemorates the moment when the apostles of Jesus Christ, standing atop Mount Tabor, were convinced that he was not merely a prophet of God, but the Son of God.
According to the Bible, Jesus Christ took his disciples — John, Peter, and James — and ascended Mount Tabor. There, while in prayer, the Lord's countenance changed. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Moses and Elijah, two great prophets, also appeared, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; listen to Him."
The holiday also signifies the transition from summer to autumn. If the weather is sunny on the day of the Transfiguration, it is believed that autumn will be bountiful and abundant. Conversely, if it rains, autumn is expected to be gloomy.
In some localities, churches hold remembrance services for the deceased, particularly for the heroes who fell while defending the country.
