Feast of Transfiguration celebrations set for Mount Tabor
By TRAVELUJAH
08/17/2011
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Greek Orthodox church celebrates transfiguration of Jesus, one of the most significant events in Christian thought.
On August 18 and 19 the Greek Orthodox Church will celebrate the annual Feast of the Transfiguration, which celebrates the transfiguration of Jesus that is traditionally thought to have occurred at Mount Tabor in the Galilee. The Catholic Church celebrated the holiday earlier this month on August 6 with a festive mass at the Church of the Transfiguration at Mount Tabor.
After revealing to his disciples that he would be condemned to death in Jerusalem, Jesus climbed up Mount Tabor in the Galilee along with Peter, James and John and there he was transfigured.
“And his face did shine as the sun; and his garments became white as snow” (Matthew 16:21.)
The transfiguration is one of the most significant events in Christian thought. There Jesus was seen with a radiancy and he spoke with Moses and Elijah, both of whom appeared at his side, and he was proclaimed God’s son.
During this feast a night vigil occurs in the Greek Orthodox Church, which is the most unique experience associated with the holiday. Arab Christians camp in the woods surrounding the church and spend the night there, during which time the Divine Liturgy is celebrated outside the church. The Divine Liturgy is celebrated inside the Church on the August 19.
To commemorate Jesus’s climb up the mountain, some pilgrims will ascend Mount Tabor by foot.
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