The Eve of the Transfiguration

Today is the Eve of the Transfiguration.  In accordance with the ancient Jewish practice of beginning a remembrance or a feast day on the eve of the actual day (sundown), the Church since its inception continued this practice.  You may recall that the Transfiguration commemorates the events described in Matthew 17:1–9; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36 and again in 2 Peter 1:13-21, where Jesus ascended the mountain with Peter, James and John and was experienced by them in dazzling splendor surrounded by  Moses and Elijah. 

 

The event has been remembered liturgically in the East Churches (Orthodox) since the late fourth century, and is one of the twelve great festivals of the Eastern Orthodox calendar, and in the West since the ninth century by some monastic orders.

 

James Kiefer writes:

 

A recent tendency in the West is to commemorate the Transfiguration on the Sunday just before Lent, in accordance with the pattern found in the Synoptics, where Jesus is represented as beginning to speak of his forthcoming death just about the time of the Transfiguration, so that it forms a fitting transition between the Epiphany season, in which Christ makes himself known, and the Lenten season, in which he prepares the disciples for what lies ahead.

 

Let us pray:  O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with you, O Father, and you, O Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

 

CALENDAR REMINDERS

 

Seaside Seniors will meet on Thursday, 20 August 2015 at 11 AM.

 

Blessing of the Backpacks will be Sunday, 23 August 2015.

 

St. Augustine’s Feast Day will be celebrated Sunday, 30 August 2015.

 

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially the family of Christy Hughes who was buried yesterday in Cisco, Texas, for all of those who are recovering from illness, and all of those who are alone.

 

Your servant in Christ,

 

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550