This icon goes hand in hand with the Baptismal Icon. The two Theophanies, the two moments when the Father makes himself heard: "This is my Beloved Son...". In the icon of the Baptism it is the descent into death. In the icon of the Transfiguration it is the ascent into Glory. Since the beginning of Genesis, the Holy Spirit is designated, shown by a bird, or a dove flying in the heights. While the evil, death is designated by a serpent that crawls in the bottom. That is why the Scripture says: Jesus took Peter, James and John with him to a high mountain, even though there is no high mountain. It is high because of the mystery of glory that is manifested.
Moses and Elijah appear near Jesus: Elijah at Jesus' right hand, Moses at his left.
The Fathers of the Church saw in it the law and the prophets. Jesus fulfills everything in his person. He transfigures the laws and fulfills the prophecies. "They talk about the mystery of the Cross (Luke 9:21)", the Great Passage to Glory. The Apostles feel this joy and the icon shows Peter asking to settle there by building 3 tents. But when the Glory envelops them in a cloud - an image of the Holy Spirit - the 3 Apostles are afraid and fall face down. Fear makes people fall.
There had to be witnesses, because all humanity, with and following Jesus, is living this Great Passage. We must not forget that all our trials, our crosses, our pains lived with the Beloved Son lead to the Glory and Joy of God.
Sister Marie-Paul
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