Academy Celebrates the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

On August 19, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Transfiguration of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ. In the Intercession Academic Church, the solemn divine services were led by Metropolitan Evgeny of Tallinn and All Estonia.

A tradition has been passed down to us from ancient times to bless apples, grapes, and other fruits on the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Therefore, the second name for this feast is the "Apple Spas" (from the word "Savior"). In Israel, people would bring the first-fruits to God for His blessing. This custom has also reached us, and it continues to remind us to learn to give God our very best.

On August 18, the All-Night Vigil was held in the academic church, and on August 19, the Divine Liturgy took place. Professors and students prayed at the services. 

During the Divine Liturgy, Hieromonk Cassian (Plosky) delivered a sermon to those gathered, in which he spoke about the meaning of the feast.

At the end of the service, Metropolitan Evgeny performed the rite of the blessing of fruits.  

MThA Press Office