Slava Gallery, LLC

Nativity of Virgin


Image Description
The Feast Day of the Ascension is celebrated forty days after The Resurrection of Christ and occurred on The Mount of Olives near Bethany. Accounts of the Ascension can be found in Mark 16:19, Luke 24:50-52, and Acts 1:4-12. Christ is seen ascending in glory enclosed by a mandorla. The two angels supporting the mandorla are clothed in red, illustrating The Prophecy of Isaiah 63:1-3. The mandorla and presence of the two angels represent Christ’s glory and greatness. The Mother of God is usually depicted in the center of the icon standing on higher ground holding Her hands outward in the form of prayer. This represents The Mother of God’s as an intercessor through prayer for all mankind. Two angels in white and the apostle are standing on both sides of The Mother God. The angels in white are messengers on earth speaking with the apostles of Christ’s Second Coming. The Apostles and The Mother of God represent the Church and the Head of This Church is the ascended Christ. The Apostles and Mother of God’s movement is upward as seen by the focus of their eyes and gestures toward the Source of Life of The Church, The Ascended Christ in heaven. Christ is seen leaving earth, but His gesture and image show us He does not abandon us. Matthew 28:20, “And know I am with you always, until the end of the world.” Christ is seen blessing us even after his ascension. Luke 24:51, “ and his blessing does not cease with His Ascension.” In Christ’s left hand, He holds a scroll or gospel book the symbol of teaching and preaching. Both of these symbols provide assurance that Christ will continue to be the source of blessing and inspiration for the Church for all time.

Return to Main page