Icon of the Transfiguration Explained | Icon on wood | Gold foiled | 15 7/8 x 13 1/8 inches (40x 33 x 2cm)
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The Icon of transfiguration depicts the event of Christ taking the Divine form before the Apostles Peter, James and John on a mountain which is identified as Mount Tabor according to Christian tradition. This event is found in three of the four gospels: St Matthew 17:1–9, St Mark 9:2–8, and St Luke 9:28–36. This icon has many details that help us understand the deeper, hidden meanings of the Transfiguration event.
1. The Central Figure—Jesus Christ
The image of the Lord Jesus Christ is depicted in the middle of the icon. In most transfiguration icons, the right hand of Christ is lifted up as the sign of blessing and His left hand contains a scroll that signifies He is the Word of God in the flesh.
The perfect circle of light around Christ represents His divine glory and transforming light. The halo around the head of Christ has an “O” written which means “I Am”. This refers to the name of God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, showing that Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God.
2. Prophet Elijah And Moses
Moses and Elijah also represent the dead and the living. Elijah represents the living as he was taken up by a chariot of fire and Moses on the other side tasted death.
3. The Three Apostles
The Apostles Peter, James, and John are depicted below Christ, showing their response towards the transfiguration of Christ. They are terrified and seen to be in a fallen posture as recorded in the Gospel of St Matthew.
