Join us in celebrating one of the five major feasts of the Armenian Church—the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Morning Service begins at 9:30 A.M., followed by the Solemn Badarak at 10:00 A.M. at St. Mary Armenian Church, Livingston, NJ.
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Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ
The Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the five major “Tabernacle” feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Holy Church. It commemorates the miraculous event in which Jesus was transfigured while praying—His face shining like the sun and His clothes becoming radiant and gleaming white. This divine moment took place on Mount Tabor and was witnessed by the Apostles Peter, James, and John.
The Evangelists St. Matthew, St. Mark, and St. Luke all testify to the Transfiguration in their Gospels (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:1-12; Luke 9:28-36):
“...As they looked on, a change came over Jesus: His face was shining like the sun, and His clothes became dazzling white. Then the three disciples saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, ‘Lord, how good it is that we are here! If You wish, I will make three tents here—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’
While he was still speaking, a shining cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased—listen to Him!’
When the disciples heard this, they were terrified and fell face down to the ground. But Jesus came, touched them, and said, ‘Get up. Do not be afraid.’ When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus alone.” (Matthew 17:2–8)
In the Armenian Church, the Feast of the Transfiguration is celebrated 98 days after Easter. Commonly known as “Vartavar,” the feast also incorporates an age-old Armenian tradition of pouring water on one another. This joyful custom is believed by some to be rooted in a pre-Christian festival that was later integrated into the Christian observance.
The Monday following the Feast is observed as a Memorial Day, a time to remember and honor the departed.