Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
The Transfiguration of Christ
Μεταμόρφωσις τοῦ Σωτῆρος
Celebrated: August 6
About This Icon
On Mount Tabor, Christ reveals his divine glory to Peter, James, and John. His garments become white as light, and Moses and Elijah appear beside him. The disciples fall to the ground, overwhelmed by the vision.
This icon is central to Orthodox theology because it demonstrates that divine light is not metaphorical but a real, perceptible reality — the uncreated energies of God that the saints experience in prayer.
Symbolism & 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.
