August 19 is the most important holiday of the Transfiguration of the Lord: what is strictly forbidden to do, signs

Every year on August 19, the Transfiguration of the Lord is celebrated — one of the most important holidays of the church calendar. On this day, believers remember the appearance of the Divine essence of Christ on Mount Tabor. In the national calendar, the holiday is called the Apple Savior and is associated with the consecration of the fruits of the new harvest. Read about the history, traditions and prohibitions of the celebration in the Izvestia article.

The twelve—day church holiday on August 19 is the Transfiguration of the Lord

The evangelical event that formed the basis for the celebration of the Transfiguration of the Lord took place 40 days before the crucifixion of Christ. However, according to the established tradition, the Orthodox Church celebrates it on August 19. The date is fixed and does not depend on the celebration of Easter.

According to legend, shortly before suffering on the cross, Jesus went to Mount Tabor (according to another version, Mount Hermon) to pray in solitude. He took with him three of his closest disciples: Peter, John, and James. In the evening, the apostles fell asleep, and the Son of God continued to pray. Suddenly, his face and clothes transformed and shone with Divine light.

When the disciples of Christ awoke, they saw the Savior in the rays of heavenly glory and the holy men standing next to him — the prophets Moses and Elijah. They were talking about the outcome that Jesus was destined to receive in Jerusalem. Struck by this vision, the apostle Paul suggested that the teacher stay on the mountain and build three tabernacles for Him and the prophets. At that moment, a cloud descended on the apostles, from which a voice rang out: "This is my Beloved Son, listen to Him!"

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When Peter, John, and Paul heard God's voice, they fell to the ground in horror, but Jesus told them to get up. When the apostles got up, only their teacher was standing next to them — the radiance faded, and Moses and Elijah became invisible. On the way back, the Son of God told the disciples not to tell anyone about what they had seen until his Resurrection.

From a theological point of view, the Transfiguration was necessary for Peter, James, and John to witness the divine nature of Christ and his willing consent to suffer for the salvation of mankind. Some researchers note that on Mount Tabor, the Son of God also appeared before the apostles as the lord of the living and the dead. This is indicated by the appearance of the prophets Moses and Elijah — one has already died, the other never died, as he was taken to heaven alive. In addition, all the faces of the Trinity appeared simultaneously on Mount Tabor: the Son of Christ, the Father in the form of a voice, and the Holy Spirit in the form of a cloud.

The celebration of the Transfiguration of the Lord itself was established in the IV century by order of St. Helena, Equal—to-the-Apostles, the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, who stopped the persecution of Christians. By her order, the first Transfiguration Church was built on Mount Tabor.

August 19th is a fast day or not: what you can eat for Transfiguration

The Transfiguration of the Lord falls during the period of the strict Dormition fast, which lasts from August 14 to August 27. At this time, believers are not allowed to eat animal products: meat, milk, fish and eggs. However, indulgence is allowed for the Transfiguration — believers are allowed to eat fish and drink wine.

In addition, apples should be present on the table — a symbol of the harvest, which is consecrated in the church after the festive liturgy. They can be used in various dishes, as well as in the form of desserts, jams or compotes.

What can Orthodox believers do for the Transfiguration?

For Orthodox believers, the most important part of celebrating the Transfiguration of the Lord is the divine service. Therefore, on the day of the celebration, it is important to visit the temple, pray and share the joy with other parishioners.

After the liturgy, the faithful can consecrate apples, pears and other fruits of the new harvest. Some of them are recommended to be left in the temple for those in need. It will also be useful to devote time to charity: make a donation, take part in a volunteer project, pack things for an orphanage, etc.

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Since the fruits are consecrated on the Transfiguration of the Lord, lenten apple treats are traditionally prepared on the holiday. Compotes, jams, pies and other desserts are placed on the table. They are offered to guests, as well as distributed to those in need. In addition, the use of fish dishes is allowed.

What not to do for the Transformation in 2025

On the day of the Transfiguration of the Lord, as on any other church holiday, one should not wish evil to others, swear, envy, enter into conflicts and lie. Such behavior is considered sinful and unworthy of an Orthodox person. Transfiguration is also prohibited:

• eating meat, eggs, dairy products, drinking alcohol — the holiday falls on the Assumption Fast, during which all these products must be excluded from the diet.;
• Doing hard physical labor — the Orthodox Church does not strictly prohibit work, but it is important to set aside time for church visits and prayer.;
• devote the whole day to household chores — the spiritual meaning of the holiday will be lost in mundane affairs.;
• arrange noisy feasts, large—scale secular celebrations - during the fast, it is recommended to abandon such entertainment.

According to popular beliefs, insects should not be killed for Transfiguration. There was a special attitude towards flies in Russia — they believed that if a fly landed on a person's hand twice on a holiday, good luck awaited him.

Consecration of fruits: church service for the Transfiguration

The Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord falls during the ripening period of various fruits. In the culture of many nations, there were summer holidays dedicated to harvesting. So, in Armenia and Cappadocia (modern territory of Turkey), the goddess of beauty and fertility Astghik was honored in August, and in Greece and Italy, after the grape harvest, "bacchanalia" were held — merry celebrations in honor of the god of winemaking Bacchus (Dionysus).

When Christianity began to spread around the world, the clergy began to "church" folk traditions. Thus, the pagan harvest festival was replaced by the Transfiguration of the Lord, and the rituals were replaced by prayer and the consecration of fruits. In this way, the believers thanked God for his gifts and asked for his blessing for further work. In southern countries, parishioners brought bunches of grapes to churches. However, grapes were rare in Russia, so they were replaced with apples, pears and other seasonal fruits. Hence the popular name of the holiday — Apple Savior.

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The consecration of apples for the Transfiguration of the Lord is held after the morning service. At the same time, festive divine services begin on the night of August 19 with an all-night vigil. In the morning, the liturgy is served with a procession. The clergy dress in white robes, symbolizing the Tabor light. After mass, thanksgiving prayers are held.

Omens about the weather and the future on August 19 at the Transfiguration of the Lord

In Russia, various signs and superstitions were associated with the Transfiguration of the Lord. It was believed that the weather on this day could tell what autumn and winter would be like.

Folk signs for Yablochny Savior:

• If it is sunny and hot on August 19, the winter will be dry and sparsely snowy.;
• if it rains on a holiday, heavy snowfall is expected in winter.;
• a dry day promises a warm and snowy autumn.;
• yellowed leaves on the trees portend an early cold snap;
• whatever the weather is like on the Transfiguration, it's the same on the Feast of the Intercession.

According to folk tradition, before the Transfiguration, you can not eat apples of the new harvest. In Russia, fruits were tasted only after consecration. They tried to determine fate by the taste of the first apple. Sweet fruit leads to easy and joyful days, sour fruit leads to difficulties that can nevertheless be overcome.

Earlier, Izvestia told us which prayers should be read for the Transfiguration of the Lord.

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