The Transfiguration
Celebrated: August 6
The Icon of the Transfiguration
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
Christ reveals his divine glory on Mount Tabor to Peter, James, and John. The icon shows Christ radiating uncreated light, with Moses and Elijah appearing beside him.
Iconographic Elements
The Mandorla: The almond-shaped aureole of light surrounding Christ represents the uncreated divine energy — the same light that the hesychast saints experience in prayer.
Moses and Elijah: The Law and the Prophets bear witness to Christ. Moses represents the Law; Elijah represents the Prophets.
The Fallen Disciples: Peter, James, and John are shown in dramatic postures of awe, unable to bear the divine glory.