In the Eastern Church the icon of the Transfiguration is the most important icon. It’s the icon of all icons in the sense that the same light that shone through Christ’s human flesh on Mount Tabor is meant to be reflected in every icon. Just as Christ’s divinity shone through the veil of his flesh on Tabor, so every icon, whether of Christ, his Mother or some other holy person, should allow us to glimpse the invisible beauty and glory of God shining through the visible painting (or “writing”). No wonder the icon is reverently kissed by believers!


