In Thy light shall we see light. O continue Thy mercy unto them that know thee (Psalm 35:10­11).

The Lord led up on Mount Tabor the closest of His disciples ­those who were able to see the light of the Kingdom of Heaven: the Apostles Peter, John and James ­ and revealed to them His Glory.

…the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias… Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said (Luke 9:29­30, 33). But why ­ "not knowing"? Because flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God… For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality (I Corinthians 15:50, 53). The Saviour leads each man into the Kingdom along his own path and illumines the way for each man; but the steepness and the difficulty of the path, and the purity of heart are different with everyone. Much did the holy Apostles see, and high did they ascend ­ onto the thrones of the judges of all the tribes of Israel, of all the people of God. Desiring all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth, the Lord lays the burdens of the weak and sinful on the strong and pure. The Lord made His way via Golgotha ­ for the sake of our salvation ­ and following after Him, the beheaded Apostle James and the crucified Apostle Peter entered into the Kingdom of Glory. But the priest addresses everyone before receiving the Mysteries of Christ: HOLY THINGS ARE FOR THE HOLY! ­ because those who have come to love the Light of God already have It in their heart as the beginning of salvation; they strive for It more and more and withdraw from the darkness of sin. And the Lord delights everyone on this path with His love.

The feast of the Transfiguration is also called the "Apple [Feast of the] Saviour" Many of the faithful do not eat apples and other fruits before this day, in order to sanctify them in church as an image of participation in the celebration of the future transfiguration of all flesh, when there will be a new earth and a new heaven.

1994