Today Orthodox Christians in Russia and across the world celebrate one of the 12 main church holidays – the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ. This holliday commemorates an event described in the Gospel when Christ transfigured on Mount Tabor manifesting his divine nature. Christ became radiant with white light on Mount Tabor, showing that he was not only the son of Man but also the son of God, so on this day, priests in all Orthodox churches put on white clothes symbolizing purity and virtue.The Russian folk name for the Transfiguration holiday is Yablochny Spas, or the Apple Feast, a fruit-blessing festival rooted in an early Christian rite.
Photographer Dmitry Novitsky