Feast of The Transfiguration - Reformed Calvinist and Presbyterian

Reformed Calvinist and Presbyterian

In the Presbyterian Church, The Sunday of The Transfiguration marks the last day of the Epiphany season, on the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday. The inceptive Calvinist tradition rejected all liturgical feasts, including the Feast of the Transfiguration. This, however, does not mean that the Transfiguration itself was ignored by the Calvinists. Calvin's own view on the Transfiguration were far from ambivalent:

"It might be asked whether it was really Moses and Elijah who were present or whether only their spectres were set before the disciples, just as often the prophets saw visions of absent things. Although there is much to be said on both sides, as they say, yet it seems more likely to me that they really were brought to that place."

With time, most major feasts were restored to the Reformed ecclesiastical calendar. The Sunday of Transfiguration is now a part the Revised Common Lectionary. Whether it is celebrated liturgically or in the name only, it is left to the discretion of the clergy or Session.

The Book of Common Worship of 1993 (Presbyterian Church USA) contains the order of the service for Transfiguration of the Lord. This order is either combined with the Sunday liturgy or replaces it in those congregations which orient themselves towards liturgical practices and observances.