Today Armenia celebrates Vardavar – a day that marks the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ. Transfiguration - one of the five Great holidays of the Armenian Church and one of the most popular among the people. When the Savior appeared to his disciples, he transfigured, and his clothes became as white as snow, qahana.am writes. The Transfiguration of Christ is shown in Matthew (17: 1-13), Mark (9: 1-12) and Luke (9: 28-36). "And he was transfigured before them: and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. And there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with them. Peter said to Jesus: Lord, well, we are here; if you want, let us make here three tents, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah. But before Peter can finish, a bright cloud appears, and a voice from the cloud states: This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." The disciples then fall to the ground in fear, but Jesus approaches and touches them, telling them not to be afraid. When the disciples look up, they no longer see Elijah or Moses.
According to the tradition of the Armenian Church, St. Gregory the Illuminator appointed this day of the Transfiguration on the first day of the Armenian calendar - 1st day of the month Navasard (August 11). This day a pagan holiday was also celebrated, and some elements are preserved in the rites of the national celebration of the Transfiguration. For example, this day people pour water on each other, release doves, etc., but the Church gave this custom a Christian interpretation as a remembrance of the Flood and the dove of Noah.
In VI century Catholicos Movses II (574-604) included the holiday of the Transfiguration in the Easter cycle, and put it at the 7th Sunday after Pentecost. Thus, the holiday has become a passing one (between June 28 – August 1). This is one of the favorite holidays of people, and especially children. Young and old pour water on each other, enjoying the sun and the water. Well, the weather forecasters predict that it will be hot in Armenia - Vardavar today will be great!