Post Gospel Hymn – 0:01
Fraction Hymn – 1:06
Concluding Hymn : 1:50
In the name of God the Father, Christ Jesus His Son and the Holy Spirit, One True God. Amen
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus
On August 6th, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ. This Feast falls while the Church is undergoing a fast in commemoration of the Assumption of Mother Mary (which falls on August 15). It is rather interesting to find ourselves in fast which has two feasts in it.
Through this blog, I would like to share some thoughts that come to my mind during this season.
Feast of Transfiguration: Revealing the Divine Glory
Let’s start with the Feast of the Transfiguration, observed on August 6th, commemorates the transformative event when Jesus revealed His divine glory to His disciples Peter, James, and John. According to the Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus took His three closest disciples to a high mountain, where something extraordinary occurred. Once they reached the summit, something extraordinary occurred. Jesus’ appearance was transfigured, and His face shone like the sun, while His clothes became as white as light. On top of that, Moses and Elijah, both eminent figures in Jewish history, appeared and conversed with Jesus.
This awe-inspiring moment marked a pivotal point in Christ’s ministry. It unveiled His true nature as the Son of God, emphasizing the importance of faith in Him as the divine Messiah. The presence of Moses and Elijah during the Transfiguration signifies the fulfilment of the commandments given by God through Moses and the prophecies of the Old Testament given by Prophets, of whom Elijah is the chief, finding their culmination in Christ.
Orthodox Christians view the Transfiguration as a revelation of the Kingdom of God on Earth, providing a glimpse of the glory that awaits believers in the afterlife. The event underscores the transformative power of Christ’s divine nature, demonstrating the potential for humanity’s sinful nature to attain a glorious state, reflecting the image of God.
Feast of the Assumption: The Promise of Eternal Life
Now, let’s move on to the Feast of the Assumption of Mother Mary, also known as the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, which is celebrated on August 15th. Although the term “assumption” might bring various images to mind, in this context, it refers to the belief that following her death, Mary’s body was taken up into heaven, both physically and spiritually.
In Orthodox Christian theology, Mary has a significant role as the Theotokos, meaning the mother of God. The feast celebrates her passing from earthly life to heavenly glory and is a moment of profound significance. It is believed that Mary was surrounded by the Apostles as she lay on her deathbed. After her soul departed, her body was taken up and is with Christ in heaven.
The feast celebrates Mary’s unique role in God’s plan of salvation, her complete submission to God’s will, and her unwavering devotion to Christ. It is believed that Mary’s life on earth was characterized by her complete obedience, making her uniquely qualified to play a part in God’s salvific plan.
The Assumption of Mary also symbolizes the hope of eternal life for all believers who bear God within their hearts, just as Mary willingly bore Christ in her womb. By humbly submitting to God’s will in their lives, Orthodox Christians aspire to attain eternal life in Christ, as Mary did through her Assumption.
Spiritual Connection between the Feasts:
Now, you might be wondering what connects these two feasts. Well, Orthodox teachings highlight a deeper spiritual connection. The Transfiguration of Jesus and the Assumption of Mother Mary are believed to share a deeper spiritual connection, signifying the unity and continuity of God’s plan of salvation throughout history.
Changing of nature:
The transfiguration of Christ revealed His divine glory and showcased the possibility of human transformation to mirror the very glory of God. It affirmed His authority, fulfilled Old Testament promises, and served as an inspiration for believers to undergo a transformative journey in union with Christ.
The Assumption of Mother Mary is a significant event in Christian tradition. It represents the belief that Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven after her earthly life. This event symbolizes hope in the resurrection and serves as a reminder of the promise of eternal life.
The Transfiguration attests to the glorious nature of Christ’s divine kingdom, while the Assumption of Mary demonstrates that we too can hope for eternal life in God’s presence. These feasts serve as a reminder that as followers of Christ, we are called to journey towards the transformation of our own lives. By renewing our minds and hearts, we strive to be “transfigured” or “assumed” into the likeness of Christ.
God’s Continuous Salvation Plan:
While recollecting the event of the Transfiguration of Christ, we see two figures of the Old Testament- Moses and Elijah. They signify that the commandments given by Hod through Moses and the prophesies of the Old Testament given by Prophets, of whom Elijah is the chief, find their fulfilment in Christ.
Furthermore, at the event of the Dormition of Mother Mary, we find that all the Apostles of Christ have come together to give their love and regards to the loving Mother of their Lord.
These two instances – the presence of Moses and Elijah during the Transfiguration and the gathering of the Apostles during Mary’s Assumption symbolize the unity and continuity of God’s plan of salvation throughout history. Both events point to the timeless truth and fulfilment of God’s promises through Jesus Christ.
In Orthodox Christian theology, Mary’s Assumption is seen as the crowning glory of her life of obedience and devotion to God. It is believed that Mary’s life on earth was characterized by her complete submission to God’s will, which made her uniquely qualified to play a part in God’s plan of salvation.
The connection between these two feasts goes beyond mere symbolism and into the realm of spiritual significance. They remind us of the profound relationship between Christ, His mother Mary, and the entire Christian community.
The connection between these feasts not only offers profound theological insights but also encourages believers to reflect on their own spiritual journey. Just as Jesus was transfigured and Mary was assumed into heaven, we are called to strive for personal transformation, allowing our lives to be transfigured by the divine presence.
In conclusion, the Feasts of Transfiguration and Assumption in Orthodox Christianity carry deep spiritual significance. They connect the divine glory of Christ’s nature with the hope of eternal life and the transformative power that lies within each of us. Through these celebrations, believers are reminded of the unity of God’s plan of salvation and the path towards a deeper union with Christ. So, let us embrace these feasts with gratitude and reverence, allowing them to inspire us to grow closer to God and live more fully in His love. Happy feasting and may you find peace and joy on this incredible spiritual journey!
Your brother in Christ Jesus
Jobin George
All these articles have provided me with much needed insights and direction in my understanding of the Christian faith. I am especially grateful that I and many others have access to such helpful writings. Orthodox theology is so detailed and ‘joined-up’ ; I am gradually coming to see and to understand the unity that holds all things together in the vast teachings of the Bible. This is very exciting; simple and complex at the same time. My study of the role and vital importance of the Theotokos is a new emphasis for me. Previously, in the former tradition in which I was nurtured ,this aspect of her divinity, activity and the high regard in which she is held was somehow by-passed, and I ,in my ignorance,never realised what I was missing.