The Transfiguration as a Divine Mystery in Orthodoxy

Abstract

The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ is connected with His baptism. Only on two occasions in the Synoptic Gospels, is a voice from heaven heard. The initial time is at the baptism, while the second time is at the Transfiguration of the Lord. The baptism indicates the opening chapter of Jesus’ public ministry, while the Transfiguration initiates the climactic stage. The Transfiguration brings to us a jubilant message, and a confirmation that God is indeed accessible to any personal experience. Before we can hope to see Jesus Transfigured in Glory as the Son of God our eyes as well as our spiritual eye must be opened and enlightened by God through His Grace. Humanity cannot assume they will get to see Christ transfigured unless it becomes enlightened by His Glorious radiance. Peter, James and John are permitted a revelation of who Jesus categorically is. We see clearly in the Transfiguration that Jesus is on the level with God because, Jesus, the Logos, is God incarnate. The Transfiguration thus revealed Jesus as the Lord of Glory. The Orthodox church views the Transfiguration as a prefiguration of our Lord’s Resurrection and His Glorious Second Coming.