Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

A heartfelt congratulations to you with the great feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord!

Today in the Gospel reading we heard how the three best apostles, Peter, James, and John, ascended a tall mountain so as to see the transfigured Saviour Jesus Christ. The appearance of Christ changed, His clothing became white and shining and His face shone like the sun. A radiant cloud surrounded them and a voice from heaven bore witness that this One is the Son of God the Father. In such a miraculous manner the holy apostles were vouchsafed to know God’s Grace.

If we have a desire to participate with the disciples in the miracle of the transfiguration of Christ, we should take them as examples for ourselves. Let’s become the best and beloved disciples of Christ, i. e. fulfill His commandments, turn to Him in prayer, attend the church services and in general live an exemplary Christian life. Let’s also follow them up onto the tall mountain, by which we mean to rise above worldly cares, to struggle, to not give in to temptations, to not waste time, to not talk idly, to fast, to study the Word of God, i. e. to do and live not according to our own will, but God’s.

This is not a simple assignment, but those who set out on this path can hope that they, along with the Apostle Peter, will see the glory of God and will say to Him: “Lord, it is good for us to be here!” Through the prayers of these wonderful apostles, may the Lord God bless our ascension onto this holy mountain.

priest Alexis