The Feast of Transfiguration
Background
The Copts observe 7 Major Feasts and 7 Minor Feasts. This Minor Feast is celebrated by the Copts on August 19 (Mesore 13). This feast is also celebrated by the Eastern Orthodox and Western churches, but on August 6. The special significance of the Transfiguration lies in the fact that, with the appearance of Moses and Elijah next to Christ, it provided testimony of the Jewish law and prophets to the messianic nature of Christ, and gave further divine proclamation of His Sonship to God by these words: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased" (Mt. 17:5).
The vision of Jesus Christ's Transfiguration on Mount Tabor was witnessed by three disciples—Peter, James, and John—in fulfillment of Christ's promise, "Truly I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom" (Mt. 16:28; Mk. 9:1; Lk. 9:27). This, however, was not the first time that these three disciples were chosen by Christ for a particular grace to be bestowed upon them. We learn from Mark 5:37-40 that when the Lord Jesus Christ was on his way to raise the daughter of Jairus from the dead, "He allowed no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James." He also singled them out to be with Him during His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane: "Remain here, and watch with me" (Mt. 26:37-39; Mk. 14:33-35).
As in regards to the number of the disciples who were present at the Transfiguration, it is in keeping with the established precept necessitating two or three for a lawful witness (Dt. 17:6; Mt. 18:16; 2 Cor. 13:1).
Why those three especially? If we were to suggest possible grounds to justify the special treatment, we might offer the following considerations. Peter was the eldest disciple, and the first of the twelve to proclaim the sonship of our Lord, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Mt. 16:16). James was the first disciple to gain the crown of martyrdom. He was killed by Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great (Acts 12:1-2). John, the brother of James, both of whom Jesus surnamed Boanerges (the sons of thunder) because of their notable zeal and fervor, was himself the very personification of purity and chastity, which earned him the special love of Christ..
Referenced to the Late Bishop Gregorios, the General Bishop of Theological Post Graduate Studies, Coptic Culture and Scientific Research.
Spiritual Application
"If indeed we suffer with Him, we also may be glorified together.”
Romans 8:17
Six days before the Transfiguration of Christ (Matthew 17:1-13), or eight days if you include the first and last days (Mark 9:2-13), Christ discusses the need to carry the Cross as a condition to following Him and sharing with Him in glory. Seeing the transfiguration of Christ, Moses, and Elijah in their glory is a revelation, as He previously told them, for the hope that is to come: the Glorious Resurrection of not only Christ, but also of those who follow Him.
The glory of Elijah and Moses showed that those who are celibate, like Elijah, and those who choose the marital life, like Moses, are both worthy to receive eternal glory. Moses symbolizes the life of service in the world, while Elijah symbolizes the life of solitude and retreat. Moses represents the witness of the Law, and Elijah represents the witness of the prophets. Moses emerges from the water, symbolizing the Holy Baptism, and Elijah is the fiery prophet, symbolizing the Confirmation of the Holy Spirit. Moses represents humbleness and patience (Numbers 12:3), and Elijah represents strength and courage for the truth (1 Kings 18).
Spiritual exercise
Let us take this feast as a reinforcement for our faith in Christ as the Son of God, and for our hope in what is to come to those who worship Him in spirit and in actions. Let us take this preview of Heaven as a reminder to carry our cross daily, "...belittling our current sufferings, knowing that our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Rites
Overview
The prayers and hymns are chanted in the Joyful tune. If the feast falls on a Wednesday or Friday, the fast on these days is still observed, but without prostrations or abstaining.
Vespers & Matins
Verses of Cymbals and Doxologies are also chanted in the Joyful tune.
Divine Liturgy
Psalm and Gospel responses, along with Psalm 150, are all chanted in the Joyful tune.
Hymns
Verses of Cymbals
Jesus Christ our God took His disciples He brought them up to Mount Tabor
Elijah and Moses the strong saw His clothes on Tabor the disciples passed through a bright cloud.
doxology
Let us praise Christ our God the One in Essence with the Father who through His Divinity made the living and the dead.
Jesus Christ the only-begotten went up to the top of Mount Tabor He took with Him His disciples Peter and James and John.
And He appeared before them His face shone more than the sun His clothes looked like snow and the two prophets appeared to Him.
Elijah and Moses the strong saw His clothes on Tabor the disciples passed through a bright cloud.
And behold there was a voice from heaven coming from God the Father saying “This is My beloved Son He has done My will listen to Him.”
We praise and glorify Him and exalt him above all as the Good One and Lover of Mankind have mercy on us according to Your great mercy.
Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia Jesus Christ the Son of God was transfigured on Mount Tabor.
This is He to whom is due glory with His good Father and the Holy Spirit both now and forever.
acts response
Elijah and Moses the strong saw His clothes on Tabor the disciples passed through a bright cloud.
Gospel Response
O Who transfigured on Mount Tabor calling Moses out of the tomb and Elijah from the heaven revealing Your majesty to your holy apostles.
Alleluia x4 Jesus Christ the Son of God was transfigured on Mount Tabor.
Psalm 150 Response
Jesus Christ the Son of God was transfigured on Mount Tabor.
Conclusion
The Son of God was transfigured on Mount Tabor. Save us and have mercy on us...