On 19 August, the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in our church.
The service was presided over by the rector of the parish, Archpriest Vadim Zakrevsky.
During the Divine Service, the rector addressed the faithful with a sermon dedicated to the Gospel event of the Transfiguration of Our Lord.
Father Vadim reminded those present that the Lord Jesus Christ took with Him to Mount Tabor His three closest disciples — the Apostles Peter, James, and John. It was granted to them to behold the Transfiguration of the Lord: His face shone like the sun, and His garments became white as the light. Beside Christ appeared the Prophets Moses and Elijah, and from the bright cloud came the voice of God the Father: «This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him.»
The Transfiguration revealed to the Apostles the Divine glory of the Saviour. The Lord strengthened His disciples before the sufferings of the Cross that lay ahead, so that, when they beheld His humiliation and death, they might remember that before them stood not only their Teacher, but the true Son of God.
The rector drew attention to the fact that the path towards spiritual transfiguration is open to every person. To follow this path, it is necessary to follow Christ, to heed His word, and to cleanse one’s heart through repentance, prayer, and good works. Just as the Apostles ascended Mount Tabor following the Lord, so too is every Christian called to rise above his passions, sinful habits, and earthly vanity.
The Feast of the Transfiguration reminds us of the light and spiritual height to which every human being is called. May the light of Tabor strengthen us in faith, help us to transform our lives, and guide us in following Christ.