What is the Feast of the Transfiguration?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

The Feast of the Transfiguration is one of the seven minor feasts of the Lord in the Coptic Orthodox Church. It commemorates the event recorded in the Gospels (Matthew 17, Mark 9, and Luke 9) when Our Lord Jesus Christ took Peter, James, and John up to Mount Tabor and was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as light, revealing His divine glory to His disciples insofar as they could bear it. During this event, the prophets Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Him.

According to the Coptic Orthodox rite and the Deacon Service Book, here are the specific details regarding this feast:

1. Date and Timing

The feast is celebrated annually on 13 Mesore. Because it falls during the Fast of the Virgin Mary (which lasts from 1 to 16 Mesore), the fast is still observed, but the liturgical rites shift to a joyful character to honor the Lord.

2. Liturgical Rites

• Tune: The prayers are conducted in the Festive/Joyful tune.
• Vespers and Matins: The praises are conducted using the festive tune. Specific Psali (Adam or Watos) for the Transfiguration are chanted.
• Doxologies: Special doxologies for the Transfiguration are recited. In the order of the rite, the doxologies for the feast are said before the doxologies for Saint Mary.
• Verses of the Cymbals: Deacons chant the specific verses for the Feast of the Transfiguration in the festive tune.

3. Theological Significance

In Coptic theology, the Transfiguration is a manifestation of the Divinity of Christ. By appearing with Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets), Christ is shown to be the fulfillment of the Old Testament. The voice of the Father from the cloud—"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"—confirms His status as the Son of God.

4. Liturgical Responses

During the Liturgy, specific responses are used. For example, the response to the Psalm (as noted in the Deacon Service Book) is:

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(Alleluia, Alleluia: Jesus Christ the Son of God was transfigured on Mount Tabor. Alleluia.)