Syriac Maronite Patriarch al-Rai celebrates Feast of the Transfiguration in Cedars of God Forest
BEIRUT — On 6 August, Syriac Maronite Patriarch Mor Bechara Boutros al-Rai delivered a Holy Liturgy on the Feast of the Transfiguration on Friday in the Cedars of God forest in Lebanon.
The Mass was attended by a number of political and religious figures, priests, deacons, and a prolific gathering of believers. After reading from the Holy Gospel, the Patriarch spoke of the meaning of the Feast of the Transfiguration during which the Lord Jesus manifested himself to his disciples, revealing that he was Christ, the living Son of God.
His Holiness noted that the holiday is a prelude to resurrection, where God assures us that after all the pain and difficulties we are experiencing, we are called upon to embody hope. Patriarch al-Rai asked God to strengthen our faith and give us grace to pass the difficulties of life with the strength of hope.
It is noted that the Day of Manifestation is 40 days before the Cross and is celebrated by all churches with the holding of divine Holies and ritual ceremonies.