The Feast of the Transfiguration Celebrated in Glasgow
On July 12th, the Armenian faithful gathered at Sacred Heart Church in Glasgow to celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, one of the five principal feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Church, traditionally known as Vardavar.
With the blessings of Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Movses Sargsyan, a member of the Brotherhood of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Following the service, Fr. Movses preached on the spiritual meaning of Christ’s Transfiguration and its significance for the Christian life.
Reflecting on the Gospel account of Mount Tabor, Fr. Movses explained that the appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Christ revealed Him as the fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets, affirming that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah and the eternal Son of God. He reminded the congregation that the Church proclaims this truth at the conclusion of every Divine Liturgy: “You are Christ our God and Saviour, the fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets.”
The sermon also highlighted that the Transfiguration prepared the disciples for Christ’s Passion, revealing that His suffering and death would be embraced willingly for the salvation of humanity. The Father’s voice from the cloud - “This is My beloved Son… Listen to Him” (Matthew 17:5) - was presented as God’s enduring call to every Christian to hear and obey Christ.
Turning to the feast’s practical message, Fr. Movses reminded the faithful that the Transfiguration is not only about Christ’s glory but also about the transformation to which every believer is called. By listening to Christ, trusting Him, and living according to His commandments, Christians are gradually transformed through God’s grace into His likeness.
Addressing the Armenian tradition of Vardavar, during which people pour water on one another, Fr. Movses explained that water is far more than a festive custom. It points to the “living water” spoken of by Christ (John 7:38), symbolising spiritual renewal, cleansing, and the new life given through God’s Word and grace. He encouraged the faithful to preserve the Christian meaning of the tradition by remembering that true renewal comes not merely through water itself, but through faith in Christ.
Following the Divine Liturgy, parishioners and visitors enjoyed a warm fellowship gathering and had the opportunity to meet Fr. Movses, continuing the celebration in a spirit of Christian joy and community. The Feast of the Transfiguration remains one of the most beloved celebrations in the Armenian Church, inviting the faithful each year to contemplate Christ’s divine glory and to renew their own commitment to live transformed lives in His light.
