Transfiguration Monastery

MOUNT TABOR

The road that leads to the Greek Orthodox Monastery. It is the first turn on the left. The next turn is for the Catholic Latin Monastery.

Mount Tabor (Hebrew: Har Tavor) is a hill rising 500m above the Jezreel Valley in the region of Galilee. The Orthodox have identified a rock atop of Mt Tabor as the place of the Transfiguration since the 4th Century AD, however most scholars will confirm that we only know the general vicinity and not the actual rock.

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. Matthew 17:1-8

During this feast a night vigil occurs in the Greek Orthodox Church, which is the most unique experience associated with the holiday on the 19th of August. Every year following the all-night vigil, a cloud descends on the mountain in the morning. This cloud looks a little different than a normal cloud and a different texture.

To commemorate Jesus's climb up the mountain, some pilgraims will ascent Mount Tabor by foot.

Left: Entrance to the Holy Monastery. Right: Plaque as you enter the church and the vans that take you up if you arrive with a tour bus.

As you walk through the gate and up the stairs, to the right is the bell tower and the room where pilgrims light candles. The candles can be purchased from within the church.

Left: Entrance to the church is on the right as you walk up the stairs. Middle: Exit of the church. Right: The mosiac behind the entrance gate to the Holy Monastery.

View of Galilee from the Monastery.

Left: Photo of interior of Church. Middle: Miracle working icon. Right: Rock taken from the area of the Transfiguration.

Left: To the left of the church is a doorway leading to a room with olives from the Holy Monastery's olive trees and water for pilgrims to take. Middle: In this same room is the Monastery Shop. Right: The toilet block located near the entrance gate (which can be a little dirty after so many pilgrims)

To arrive at the Greek Orthodox Monastery, take the first left up the windy, long road. Very important: If you are driving, watch out for the vans as they speed down and up cutting the corners. Stay as far right as you travel up and down for your own safety.

Address: Road leading from Alalamath St, Daburiyya, Israel. There are signs at the corner where you must turn to travel up the curvy road to the Monastery.