Transfiguration of Christ | Gold and Silver foiled lithography | Icon Reproduction | Size: 5 1/4"x4 1/2"

The event of the Transfiguration of Christ was a theophany, (a manifestation of the Holy Trinity) and therefore we can see similarities in this icon with that of the Theophany (the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan).  In this event the Son is revealed in the person of Jesus; the Spirit in the bright, overshadowing cloud; and the Father in the voice from the cloud. Behind Jesus is the Mandorla or nimbus, the tri-colour blue shape which represents the divine glory and majesty of God beyond that which can be physically witnessed. The geometric figure within the Mandorla represents the Holy Spirit which comes in the cloud that descends upon the scene.  While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them Mt. 17:5.

In the event of the Transfiguration of Christ, the three Apostles Peter, James, and John are permitted to experience the glory of God only as much as they can bear.

James on the right has fallen over backwards with his hands over his eyes. This experience has burned itself within him. For us he represents hope, since in the near future, because of what he has seen, he will have the courage of faith to be the first of the 12 Apostles to be martyred. 

John in the centre lies directly under the transfigured Christ.  He will soon be standing directly under the Him as He hangs upon the cross. This glorious revelation of the light of the Resurrection will strengthen John for what is to come. 

Christ is blessing all with his right hand and holding a scroll in his left. His blessing reminds us of His abiding love for all of us and the scroll is the “Good News” of the Gospel. Christ is the “Living Word of God”.

Elijah and Moses stand at the top of mountain peaks on each side of Christ. These two holy men represent the Law and the Prophets. Moses, on Christ’s left-hand side holds the book of the law which he received from God. It is significant that the prophet Elijah is at the right hand of Christ where John the Baptist stands in the icon of Theophany, thus linking again to the first great theophany in the life of Christ. As do all the prophets, both Elijah and John ultimately point us to Christ.