Nehase 13 — August 19

The Great Feast of the Transfiguration (Buhe)

Today is one of the happiest feasts of the whole year! We call it the Transfiguration, and in Ethiopia we also call it Buhe, or Debre Tabor. Transfiguration is a big word, and it means a beautiful change: Jesus became shining and bright right before His friends' eyes.

One day, Jesus took three of His closest friends, Peter, James, and John, and walked with them up a tall mountain called Mount Tabor. These three were apostles, the special helpers Jesus chose to follow Him. Up on the mountain, Jesus began to shine! His face glowed bright like lightning, and His clothes turned as white as fresh snow. He was filled with shining light, because Jesus is God.

Then two great friends of God appeared beside Jesus: Moses and Elijah, two holy men from long, long ago. They talked happily with Jesus. Peter could hardly believe his eyes, and he said, 'Lord, should we build three little tents here, one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah?' He wanted to stay on that mountain forever.

While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud came down and covered them. And from the cloud came the gentle, loving voice of God the Father Himself. The friends had never heard this voice before. The Father said something beautiful about His Son Jesus.

When the disciples heard the Father's voice, they bowed down low to the ground. But Jesus came, touched them kindly with His hand, and said, 'Rise up, and do not be afraid.' They stood up, and they saw only Jesus, standing all alone. Now they knew for certain that Jesus is truly the Son of God. What a joyful day! We say a glad salutation to Debre Tabor, the holy mountain that is sometimes called Debre Telul.

This is My Son, Whom I love, in Whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him.— God the Father, on Mount Tabor

Rise up, and fear not.— Jesus, to His friends

Saint Safira, Daughter of Moses

On this day we also remember a brave girl named Safira. She was the daughter of Moses the prophet, one of the people God chose to speak His words.

Safira loved God with all her heart, and she stayed faithful to Him even when it was very hard, all the way to the end of her life. That is why we call her a martyr. She was not afraid, because she knew she was going home to be with God forever.

Abba Galyon, the Quiet Monk

Abba Galyon was a holy monk who loved to pray. He gave his whole life to God, praying day and night. He stayed happily inside his monastery from when he was a young man until he was very old.

One night, some tricky spirits tried to fool him. They pretended to be friendly monks and led him far away to a lonely mountain. But Abba Galyon was wise. He made the sign of the Cross, and at once the tricky spirits disappeared, because God is always stronger than anything that tries to fool us.

Now Abba Galyon was lost. He prayed and prayed, and God sent kind, real monks who found him and took care of him. Later, his old teacher Abba Isaac missed him very much and asked God to let him see Galyon again. God knew his wish, and Galyon went straight to him. They were so glad to see each other! Abba Galyon served God faithfully until God called him home in peace.

Saint Benjamin, Carried Up to Heaven

We also remember Saint Benjamin today. He loved God so much, and lived such a good and holy life, that God lifted him up all the way to heaven. We give a glad salutation to Benjamin, and we thank God for all He does for those who love Him.