The Orthodox Christians following the old calendar on August 19 observe the Transfiguration of Jesus or Probrajnia, as the ordinary people call it. Contacted by IPN, bishop of the Chisinau Church “Saint Hierarch Nicolae” Petru Storoja said that on this day the Christians bring grapes to the church to have them blessed. New wine is drunk on this feast.
Transfiguration is considered a major feast, numbered among the twelve Great Feasts in Orthodoxy. According to New Testament accounts, Jesus and three of his apostles go to Mount Tabor. On the mountain, Jesus begins to shine with bright rays of light. Then the prophets Moses and Elijah appear next to him and he speaks with them. Jesus is then called ‘Son’ by a voice in the sky, assumed to be God the Father, as in the Baptism of Jesus.
In churches, if the feast falls on a Sunday, its liturgy is not combined with the Sunday liturgy, but completely replaces it.
This is the only day in the Dormition Fast when fish, wine and oil are allowed. The Christians will be also able to receive communion on this feast.
