Centennial Year Church Services

August 6, 2005 -   The Feast Day of the Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was observed at SS. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church for the one hundredth time with Great Vespers with Litiya on the eve of the Feast and with Divine Liturgy with the Blessing of Fruit on the Feast Day itself. Perhaps the reader has not given consideration to this matter, but the events of this day relate most directly to the events of Good Friday for, by revealing his Divine Nature to the three disciples (Peter, James, and his brother, John) present at the Holy Transfiguration (please see icon above), Jesus would make clear that the events which were to come on Good Friday were not random and out of human weakness but rather that Jesus, who had in his power the ability to alter the events of Good Friday, allowed them to occur that Scripture might be fulfilled (Confer Kontakion for the Feast Day). It is also interesting to note the contrasts in the disciple Peter. On the day of the Holy Transfiguration, it was Peter who quickly offerred to build three tabernacles. It was this same Peter who on Good Friday denied our Lord and Savior three times. It is traditional on the Feast Day of the Holy Transfiguration to bless grapes and other first fruits of the summer harvest. Below are scenes from the Divine Liturgy with the Blessing of Fruit, accompanied by the Epistle and Gospel readings for the day (blue text).

It is interesting to note importance of color in the Orthodox Church. Note above left that the green vigil lamps have been replaced by the default red vigil lamps as the period following Pentecost has come to an end. We are currently in the period of the Dormition Fast, and so Altar and table covers are blue (photo above left) - the color associated with Feasts of the Most-Holy Theotokos. Finally, on Holy Transfiguration, clerics wear white or their lightest-hued vestments (photo below right). In addition to the Pascal season, white vestments are also worn on Theophany - a Feast Day similar to Holy Transfiguration in that God - the First Person of the Holy Trinity - is present at the Feast.

Therefore brethren, be the more zealous to confirm your call and election, for if you do this you will never fall; so there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore I intend always to remind you of these things, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to arouse you by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. And I will see to it that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Rev. David Garretson, Rector of SS. Peter and Paul Church. He was assisted by his long-time friend, Rev. Dn. Michael Sochka, who is attached to Holy Transfiguration Chapel at Princeton University. Above right, Deacon Sochka carries the Book of Holy Gospels in procession during the Little Entrance.

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased," we heard this voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word made more sure. You will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. (2 Peter 1:10-19)

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah."

When a deacon serves with a priest, it is customary for the deacon to read the Gospel for the day (above left). Deacon Sochka was also honored to offer the homily for the Divine Liturgy, giving Rev. Garretson a rare respite from preaching at Liturgy (photo above right).

He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed 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 fell on their faces, and were filled with awe. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear." And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man is raised from the dead." (Matthew 17:1-9)

Above, Rev. Garretson carries only the Chalice during the Great Entrance. He was preceded in procession by Deacon Sochka, who carried the Paten containing the bread with the Star-cover above. Below, during the Lord's Prayer the deacon, who stands before the icon of Jesus Christ, crosses himself with his Stole in preparation for the receiving of Holy Communion.

Below left, a scene from the choir loft during Holy Communion. Communicants pass the center table upon which lies the fruit which is about to be blessed. Below right, a small choir - under the direction of Choirmaster Basil Kozak - sang the responses to the Liturgy beautifully and prayerfully.

You may click on the photo above left to view an enlargement.

Immediately above and in the photos below are scenes from the blessing of grapes and other summer fruit as the Divine Liturgy draws to its conclusion.

You may click on the photo above left to view an enlarged image.

Parishioners brought fruit in either baskets or bowls. Some of the baskets contained candles. Above and below left, Deacon Sochka lights candles in baskets as the service of the Blessing of Fruit is about to begin. Below right, Rev. Garretson blesses the fruit with Holy Water.

You may click on the photo above left to view an enlarged image.

You may click on the photo above to view an enlarged image.

Above left, Deacon Sochka intones the "Many Years" at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy for clerics and their families and for those in civil authority. Above right and below - scenes of the newly-blessed fruit.

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