-
Icon of Christ The High Priest Enthroned - (Kerkyras, Corfu) - 00LJC008
$28.00 - $365.00RRP:The Great Commission Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptiz -
Icon of Christ - The Great Comission - 20th c. - 00LJC007
$28.00 - $365.00RRP:The Great Commission Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in -
Icon of Christ the Resting One - Anapeson - 21st c. - 00LJC006
$28.00 - $365.00RRP:The Meaning of This Icon The Icon of Christ the Resting One (ἀναπέσω) is deeply tied to Psalm 121:4: "He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep." The -
The Crucifixion of Christ (Holy Friday) - 00FHF001
$28.00 - $365.00RRP:Feast Day/Commemorated: Friday Before Great and Holy Pascha On Great and Holy Friday, the Orthodox Church commemorates the death of Christ on the Cross. This marks the -
The Baptism of Christ (Theophany) - 20th c. - 00FTH001
$28.00 - $365.00RRP:Feast Day/Commemorated: January 6 Theophany: Celebrating God's Revelation and Christ's Baptism
Description
Feast Day/Commemorated: August 6
The Feast of the Transfiguration: Witnessing Divine Glory
Every year on August 6, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ. This pivotal feast commemorates the moment on Mount Tabor when Jesus revealed His divine glory to His closest Apostles: Peter, James, and John.
The Biblical Account
The event of the Transfiguration is profoundly documented in three of the four Gospels: Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36. Jesus led Peter, James, and John up a mountain. While there, Jesus' appearance was dramatically transformed: His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became dazzling white.
Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared alongside Christ, conversing with Him. Peter, awestruck, exclaimed how wonderful it was for them to be there and offered to build three shelters for Moses, Elijah, and Christ. This mention of shelters might suggest the event occurred during the Feast of Tabernacles, a time when Jews camped in fields for the grape harvest, a feast also associated with the wilderness wanderings from the Old Testament book of Exodus.
As Peter spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud declared, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him." Overwhelmed with awe, the disciples fell to their faces. Jesus then approached them, reassuring them not to be afraid. When they looked up again, only Jesus remained.
As they descended the mountain, Jesus instructed them not to speak of what they had seen until after His resurrection from the dead.
The Icon of the Feast: A Visual Theology
The icon of the Feast of the Transfiguration is a powerful visual representation of this divine encounter. Christ is the central and most prominent figure, enveloped within a circular mandorla. This positioning highlights His role as the theological and visual core of the icon. His right hand is raised in blessing, while His left holds a scroll. The mandorla, with its vibrant hues of white, gold, and blue, symbolizes divine glory and light. The halo around Christ's head bears the Greek words "O on," meaning "The One Who is."
Elijah and Moses stand atop separate mountain peaks, flanking Christ—Elijah on the left and Moses (holding the Ten Commandments) on the right. They are depicted bowing towards Christ, their right hands raised in a gesture of intercession. Saint John Chrysostom offers a threefold explanation for the presence of these Old Testament patriarchs:
- Representation of Law and Prophets: Moses received the Law, and Elijah was a great prophet.
- Witnesses to God's Presence: Both experienced visions of God (Moses on Mount Sinai, Elijah on Mount Carmel).
- Symbolizing Life and Death: Elijah represents the living (having been taken to heaven by a chariot of fire), while Moses represents the dead (having experienced death).
Below Christ, the three Apostles are shown in postures that convey their profound response to Christ's transfiguration. James has fallen backward, shielding his eyes, while John lies prostrate in the center. Peter is kneeling on the left, his right hand raised, expressing his desire to build the three shelters. The disarray of their garments underscores the dramatic impact of this overwhelming vision.
The icon of the feast effectively directs our attention to the Transfiguration event itself, particularly to the glory of God revealed in Christ. This moment occurred at a crucial juncture in our Lord's ministry, just before His journey to Jerusalem and the impending humiliation, suffering, and death on the Cross. The luminous light of the Resurrection was revealed then to strengthen His disciples for the trials they would soon face.
Moreover, the feast serves as a profound pointer to the glorious Second Coming of our Lord and the ultimate fulfillment of the Kingdom of God, when all creation will be transfigured and enveloped in divine light.
Orthodox Christian Celebration
The Feast of the Transfiguration is celebrated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom on August 6, preceded by the Matins service. A Great Vespers service is held on the evening before the feast day. The scripture readings for the feast are:
- Vespers: Exodus 24:12-18, 33:11-23, 34:4-6, 8; I Kings 19:3-9, 11-13, 15-16.
- Orthros (Matins): Luke 9:28-36.
- Divine Liturgy: II Peter 1:10-19; Matthew 17:1-9.
About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):
Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted reproductions, made with prayer and a desire for excellence. Choose from our standard mounted option on Museum Quality Paper or you may choose to upgrade to Museum Quality Matte Canvas. Both offer a rich print with saturated coloration and are finished with our high-grade UV protection sealant offering a subtle tactile texture that gives our icons a truly authentic feel & can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Additionally, each Maple-shelled panel is prepared with a painted chamfered front edge as well as a round-over on the back edge to give a shadow box effect when hung on the wall. Our Icons come standard with a sliding key-hole slot on the back which allows for balanced hanging. These beautiful American-made reproductions will be a beloved addition to any home or parish at the fraction of the cost of a hand painted icon.