This Thursday, August 19, marks an important church date in the Orthodox calendar - the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. From the name of the memorable date it is clear that the celebration is dedicated to Jesus Christ. The holiday is celebrated during the Dormition Fast, the only one of the year that is dedicated to the mother of Christ - the Most Holy Theotokos.
The Transfiguration of the Lord is the manifestation of the Divine greatness and glory of Jesus Christ described in the Gospels before three closest disciples during prayer on the mountain; holiday of the Christian church. All the evangelists except John report this event.
Transfiguration of the Lord August 19
The word Transfiguration itself has Greek roots and literally means reincarnation. This celebration is one of the twelve holidays. In other words, it is one of the twelve solemnities that are associated with the Lord.
According to the Gospel, three of his disciples went with Jesus to Mount Tabor. There they were supposed to pray. During prayer, the disciples noticed that their Teacher had changed. He began to shine from within.
Mount Tabor is located in Israel near Nazareth. Today there are two monasteries at the top of the mountain. One of them is Catholic, the other is Orthodox.
This holiday is also called Apple Savior. It was at this time that believers in Greece and Israel began to harvest grapes. Believers at this time brought grapes to the temples. However, grapes do not grow in all countries. Therefore, in some states they decided to bring apples to monasteries as an offering.
Holiday icon
The prophets Moses and Elijah are the main prophets of the Old Testament. Moses died before reaching the promised land, Elijah was taken to heaven alive. Their appearance, writes Chrysostom, meant that “Christ has power over life and death, rules over heaven and earth.”
Mount Tabor is flat. The rocks on the icon are a symbol of the believer’s spiritual ascent to God, as well as an image of faith strong as stone.
The apostles, blinded by the light, lie on the ground. James and John cover their faces with their hands, not daring to look at the Transfigured Savior, and only Peter looks at Christ, preparing to utter the words: “Mentor! It’s good for us to be here.”
Mandorla is a circle of light around Christ, a symbol of Divine glory and greatness.
The rays of light emanating from the figure of Christ are an image of the light of the Transfiguration: “His clothes became shining, very white, like snow, as a bleacher on earth cannot bleach” (Mark 9:3).
Tabor light is the light of Divine glory with which the face of Christ shone during the Transfiguration. In the 14th century, a theological dispute arose about what kind of light it was - created or uncreated. As a result, the position of Saint Gregory Palamas triumphed, who wrote that the disciples of Christ “saw, and saw for certain, that uncreated and Divine Radiance, while God [Himself] remained invisible in [His] all-essential Hiddenness.” And since Christ Himself sanctified human nature with this light, then every person who believes in the Savior, according to the teachings of the Church, can also be worthy of his own personal Transfiguration, having received the uncreated, Tabor light. This is the greatest meaning of this twelfth holiday.
Theophanes the Greek, the famous ancient Russian icon painter of the 14th century, painted one of the most famous icons of the Transfiguration of the Lord (see above). The Tabor light seemed to “materialize” in Theophanes the Greek’s palette, present in every image with flashes.
Traditions and rituals
Services begin in churches a day before the holiday itself. However, they continue for another seven days after the Transfiguration of the Lord. Directly on the nineteenth of August, a liturgy is held in churches and the canon is sung. Church representatives must wear white robes. This emphasizes the Tabor light that illuminated Jesus.
Traditionally, believers on the holiday visited churches for a festive service. They also prayed at home. In particular, they said the following prayer in front of the icons of the Savior:
As we wrote above, people also call the Transfiguration the Apple Savior. On this day, not only church, but also folk traditions are celebrated. At the same time, they are celebrated on a special scale. For example, after going to church and blessing the apples, festivities were organized in the evening. Despite the fact that the Assumption Fast is observed on this holiday, the church allows more dishes to be served on the tables than on other days of fasting. In particular, it is allowed to eat fish products, apples and a little wine.
Memorable dates
August 19, 2022 is Monday, the 231st day of 2022 according to the Gregorian calendar. August 19 corresponds to August 6 of the Julian calendar (old style).
10th week after Pentecost, Dormition Fast, fast day.
The following memorial dates have been established:
- Transfiguration of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ;
- Memorial Day of Hieromartyr Nikolai Zavarin, presbyter.
What you can and cannot do on this day
Most of the bans on Apple Spas are associated with the fact that at this time you need to fast. In particular, it is not recommended to watch comedy television programs. It is also best to refrain from holiday celebrations.
In addition, it is prohibited to consume meat products. However, fish dishes are allowed. This relaxation is perfect for believers who want to diversify their holiday tables.
On this holiday you need to pray to the Lord and ask for the most necessary things. Some would like happiness and love, others ask for health for themselves and their loved ones. Prayers of gratitude will also have a beneficial effect on a person.
On the Feast of the Transfiguration, you are allowed to visit and invite guests. It is also recommended to cook your own meals and help those in need. In addition, help for loved ones and relatives will not be superfluous.
On this day it is forbidden to do household chores. In particular, cleaning, washing, ironing, etc. It is recommended to postpone such activities. Since this day falls on Wednesday, most believers will go to work. Despite various prohibitions, you still need to go to work. However, you shouldn't take extra work home. It is best to spend the evening praying with family and friends.
The strictest taboo on this holiday is swearing and arguing. During the period of the Apple Savior, you need to bring light and goodness to the world. Clergy are advised to carefully monitor their own thoughts and actions. It is extremely important to help loved ones and relatives. On this holiday, you need to apologize to those you have offended and forgive your offenders. If someone asks for forgiveness at Yablochny Spas, they should not be refused.
On this day, it is important to perform godly deeds and remember that fun is not only worldly entertainment, but an opportunity to communicate with loved ones and visit family.
Message to the Believers
The Transfiguration of the Lord applied not only to Christ, but also to his three disciples. A true Christian believer should strive for the same purification. Religion is a science that calls for change and correction of the individual personality. Christians live in order to gain at a certain hour a pure vision of life-giving grace, which the apostles were lucky enough to see on Tabor.
Icon of the Transfiguration of the Lord
However, the vocation of Orthodox people is not only about personal transformation; they are also responsible for their own environment, the Universe. A Christian is a good ruler and protector of the material world. The Savior set an example by atoning for human sins with Sacrifice, death and a miraculous Resurrection. The same important task of defending the faith is the main one for true believers.
Important! When a person realizes the full responsibility for what is happening and strives to achieve bliss, then the infinite Universe and the Creator Himself open before him the right paths and bestow all riches.
Saints call for mercy and receive it in return. Together with the divine light of Tabor, the forgotten joy and happiness of selfless service to God returns to the Universe.
Folk signs for August 19
You need to be attentive to the signs and do the following:
- Be sure to provide apples to the needy and hungry. This is a merciful act that will be rewarded with an excellent harvest next year. Important: do not wait for requests from the poor - take the initiative yourself. It was considered a bad sign if it was not possible to give alms or share treats at Apple Spas. To avoid this situation, go to church. There will definitely be poor people there who can be helped. If the harvest is small, do not be afraid to share - higher powers will help you avoid want.
- Blessed apples are first given to small children and the sick.
- Take them to the grave of deceased relatives and friends. It's good if you leave a couple on abandoned ones. So get help from those who have passed on to another world. Those who accidentally fell with a basket of apples on the day of the Middle Savior are strongly advised to visit the dead.
- We prepared Lenten pancakes with peas for Apple Spas. If you eat at least one pancake, you will be full of strength and energy for the whole year.
- At the end of the day, you need to go out into the field and say goodbye to the summer Sun, thank the heavenly forces for the harvest. City dwellers can look out the window at sunset and say words of gratitude.
- If the apple pie cracks during cooking, a long journey awaits someone close to you.
- You were picking fruit in the garden and a burdock got attached to you? Expect a bountiful harvest next year.
- Peas are harvested on Second Spas in Russia. During the collection, pay attention: there are many wormy and rotten beans - many sins have accumulated. If a basket of peas accidentally spills, you will certainly get rich.
- It is useful to sit under the crown of an apple tree on the Feast of the Transfiguration to improve health and harmonize your state of mind.
- The hair is combed with a comb made of apple wood. This procedure improves blood circulation and relieves headaches.
- If there is a wart, cut the apple crosswise. Run a cut along it, and bury the fruit in a secret place.
- Unmarried women asked the apple tree for beauty by decorating their hair with its leaves.
Born
• Samuel Richardson (1689-1761) - English writer (novels “Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded,” “Clarissa, or the Story of a Young Lady,” “The Story of Sir Charles Grandison”).
• Pierre Jean De Beranger (1780-1857) - French poet and songwriter.
• Sergei Korovin (1858-1908) - Russian painter, graphic artist, brother of the artist K. Korovin.
Orville Wright (1871-1948) - American designer, the youngest of the brothers - aviation pioneers.
• Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel (1883-1971) - French female fashion designer and trendsetter.
• Leonid Solovyov (1906-1962) - Soviet writer (the dilogy “The Tale of Khoja Nasreddin”).
• Matthew Perry (b. 1969) is a Canadian-American actor and screenwriter, known for his role as Chandler Bing in the sitcom “Friends” and roles in the films “Hurry Up and Make People Laugh,” “The Whole Whole Nine Yards,” “17 Again.”
Andrea Palladio. Villa Rotunda. Photo: Wikipedia Bon de Boulogne the Elder. Neptune carries Amphitrite on his sea chariot. Photo: Wikipedia Frans Snyders. Still life with a bucket for cooling wine. Photo: Wikipedia
Haircut calendar
As of 08/19/2021 at 12:00, the Moon is in the “Waxing Moon” phase. This is the 11th lunar day in the lunar calendar. Moon in the zodiac sign Capricorn.
Coloring and toning will go well, especially covering gray hair, you can even experiment with color. This is a good time for a perm; it won’t cause much damage to your hair.
Plants sown and planted these days sprout slowly but amicably. Trees and perennial shrubs will bear fruit for a long time.
Died
• Andrea Palladio (1508-1580) - Italian architect of the late Renaissance.
• Valentin de Boulogne (1591-1632) - French artist of the Baroque era.
• Frans Snyders (1657-1579) - Flemish painter.
• Johann Balthasar Neumann (1687-1753) - one of the largest German Baroque and Rococo architects.
• Francesco de Mura (1696-1782) - Italian painter of the late Baroque era.
• Auguste de Villiers de Lisle-Adam (1838-1889) - French prose writer, playwright, poet (novel “Eve of the Future”).
• Adolphe William Bouguereau (1825-1905) - French painter.
• Federico García Lorca (1898-1936) - Spanish poet and playwright (poetry collection “The Gypsy Romancero”, plays “Bloody Weddings”, “Yerma”, “The House of Bernarda Alba”).
• Tony Scott (1944-2012) - British and American film director, producer, screenwriter, Emmy Award winner (films Beverly Hills Cop 2, Enemy of the State, Deja Vu).
Balthasar Neumann. Chapel of the Holy Cross. Photo: Wikipedia Francesco de Mura. Allegory. Louvre. Photo: Wikipedia Adolphe William Bouguereau. Orestes pursued by Erinyes. Photo: Wikipedia
