The Transfiguration

Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, away from everyone else. And then something extraordinary happened — Jesus was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as light itself. Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Him, representing the Law and the Prophets.

Peter, overwhelmed, blurted out, "Lord, it is good for us to be here! Let me build three shelters — one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice spoke from the cloud: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" The three disciples fell face-down, terrified.

Jesus came and touched them gently. "Get up," He said. "Don't be afraid." When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus alone. On the way down the mountain, Jesus told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until He had risen from the dead. The Transfiguration was a glimpse of Jesus' divine glory — a foretaste of the resurrection. The Coptic Church celebrates this feast with great joy, remembering that the humble carpenter from Nazareth is also the blazing Son of God.