According to Gospel texts, on this day Jesus Christ revealed to three of his disciples that he was the Son of God.

“You were transfigured upon the mount, O Christ our God, and Your disciples, insofar as they could bear, beheld Your glory. Thus, when they see You crucified, they may understand Your voluntary passion, and proclaim to the world that You are truly the effulgence of the Father.”

What event do the chants performed in Bulgarian churches on Transfiguration day speak of?

According to scriptures, Christ wanted to prepare his followers for his suffering. The hearts of his disciples were filled with sorrow at these words. To strengthen their faith and give them courage Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and went up to Mount Tabor near Galilee.  As was his wont, he started praying and his disciples fell asleep. When they awoke, they saw that Jesus was transfigured before them; his face shining as the sun, and his garments became white as the light. Next to him were the prophets Moses and Elijah. Then a bright cloud appeared, and a voice was heard: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him”. On the way back from the mountain, Christ told his disciples not to talk about what had happed until his resurrection.

The Transfiguration of Jesus falls in the middle of the Dormition Fast. On this day believers take communion and are allowed to eat fish. According to church and popular tradition, on Transfiguration day grapes are taken to church to be blessed by the priest with prayer and incense. After that they are handed out for health.

According to popular belief, from this day on summer “breaks” to turn towards autumn. Everything is transformed – the water in the springs and the rivers cools, the days and nights grow colder.

You can find more about the beliefs and rituals connected with the Transfiguration of Jesus here.