Orthodox Christians celebrate Transfiguration of Jesus

The Orthodox Christians following the old calendar celebrate the Transfiguration of Jesus on August 19, Info-Prim Neo reports. “On this day, the faithful come to church and take communion. They bring fruit, especially grapes and apples, wine and honey for being blessed. Many persons do not eat grapes until they are blessed,” said Angela Lupusor, who goes to Saint Teodora de la Sihla Church. Alexei Gorjan said the people no more have time to come to church and pray. According to him, Transfiguration is a great feast and the people should go to church on this day. “I asked permission from my work to come and attend the service. I took fruit, honey and wine with me as I wouldn’t’ have managed to return to work. I try to come to church at least on feast days,” said Elena Avasiloaie. The Transfiguration of Jesus is an event reported in the New Testament in which Jesus is transfigured and becomes radiant upon a mountain. It is considered a major feast, numbered among the twelve Great Feasts in Orthodoxy. They say that on this day summer starts to leave, the water becomes colder and the birds prepare to fly to warmer areas. The herbs collected on this day are thought to be much more useful. In some areas, they use to wash carpets in flowing water on Transfiguration.