All icon explanations
Matthew 17:1-9

The Icon of the Transfiguration

The icon reveals Christ’s divine glory on Mount Tabor and invites us to listen to Him and enter His light.

Icon of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ on Mount Tabor
Icon of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ on Mount Tabor

The Gospel scene

The icon follows the Gospel account of the Lord’s Transfiguration before Peter, James and John. Christ stands at the centre, not receiving light from outside, but revealed as the source of light.

Christ and the radiant mandorla

Christ is surrounded by a luminous shape called a mandorla. Its layered tones express the mystery of divine glory, truly revealed yet never fully contained. Rays extend from Christ toward the disciples, showing that this light is grace and gift.

Moses and Elijah

Moses stands beside Christ holding the tablets of the Law, with Elijah on the other side. Together they represent the Law and the Prophets, bearing witness that the Old Testament finds its fulfilment in Christ.

The three disciples

Peter, James and John appear below, overcome by the splendour of the vision. Their movement conveys holy awe and the distance between human weakness and divine glory.

An invitation to listen

The icon is more than a record of a past moment. It invites us to listen to the beloved Son and to allow the light of Christ to transform our vision and our life.