According to Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești, the Transfiguration of the Lord serves as a call for each individual to purify and transform their lives in order to have the opportunity to see God for those who are pure in heart.
The Hesychast Fathers believed that the essence of Christian life lies in purifying the heart and experiencing divine grace, a light that is invisible to natural or ordinary eyes.
Bishop Varlaam emphasized the necessity of this transformation, citing Saint John the Evangelist’s words in the Book of Revelation about Christ’s ability to make all things new through His Incarnation. He also mentioned Christ’s promise of creating a new heaven and earth for the righteous, as well as Saint Paul’s belief in a universal transformation at the Resurrection.
Referring to the Gospel, the bishop highlighted Christ’s consistent call for personal transformation and the Father’s command to listen and act upon these calls by changing thoughts, words, lifestyle, and interactions with others.
Bishop Varlaam also mentioned the feast of light, established by Venerable Father Sofian, as a celebration dedicated to the divine light revealed in Christ on Mount Tabor, representing the glory of the Most Holy Trinity.
He explained that the light witnessed by the disciples on Tabor symbolizes the glory of the Trinity, Christ’s Resurrection, Ascension, and the anticipation of His Second Coming.
Quoting Psalm 104, the bishop described Christ’s ability to cloak Himself in honor and majesty, covering Himself with light as with a garment, emphasizing His role as the Light from Light who took on human form to save humanity.
“You are radiant with light”
Bishop Varlaam continued by discussing Christ’s Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, where His human nature, derived from the Virgin Mary, was transfigured to radiate divine light.
He highlighted that this light originated from Christ’s divine essence, united with His human nature from Mary.
Referencing Psalm 76 and the Prophet Isaiah, the bishop illustrated how Christ’s birth was foretold as a light for those living in spiritual darkness, with the pillar of light guiding the Israelites serving as a precursor to Christ leading believers to the promised Kingdom of Heaven.
The article concluded with Bishop Varlaam celebrating the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Cathedral on the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, with photography courtesy of Basilica.ro Files / Raluca Ene and the source being basilica.ro.