The Patriarch of Jerusalem celebrates Liturgy on Mount Tabor

Patriarch Theophilos on Mount Tabor on August 19, 2026. Photo: Jerusalem Patriarchate

On August 19, 2026, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem led the Liturgy on Mount Tabor in Galilee, where the Gospel event took place, reports the press service of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.

On the eve of the feast, Metropolitan Makarios of Acre and Ptolemais celebrated the All-Night Vigil. The following day, Patriarch Theophilos III officiated at the Divine Liturgy at a specially erected altar in the open air.

The Byzantine choir from Acre sang during the service. Among those praying were faithful and pilgrims whom the Israeli authorities had permitted to ascend the mountain, as well as Greek Ambassador Maia Solomou and embassy staff, along with representatives of the diplomatic missions of other Orthodox countries.

In his homily, Patriarch Theophilos recalled the words of the Evangelist Matthew that Christ was transfigured before His disciples, and His face shone “like the sun.” The Patriarch noted that the Transfiguration revealed to the Apostles the primordial beauty of humanity before the Fall and pointed to the possibility of regaining it in Christ.

On the morning of the feast day itself, the Liturgy was also celebrated in the renovated monastery church on Mount Tabor, presided over by Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth. At noon, the monastery’s new abbot, Archimandrite Markell, hosted a festive meal for pilgrims and clergy.

As the UOJ reported, the Jerusalem Church began preparations for the 2000th anniversary of the Baptism of the Lord.

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