Feast of the Ascension
Feast of the Ascension

Learning about the Feast through its icon

This article from orthochristian.com not only explains the icon but a fuller meaning of the Feast itself....

The Ascension icon shows Christ, with angels, being escorted back to His heavenly home. His Mother Mary stands with angels and the faithful disciples. This icon is usually displayed for veneration, in the center on the church, on the feast of Ascension.

Design

The icon is divided into two parts, top and bottom, heaven and earth. The top is in order, the bottom, except for the Theotokos, is in confusion. The figures are set against the hilly landscape of the Mount of Olives, scattered with olive trees. It is painted with bright colors as a joyous icon.

Theology

Although the icon depicts the event described by Saint Luke, it is not meant to be a historical picture, but a representation of the Church.

Christ

Christ is shown inside the mandorla blessing all with his right hand and holding a scroll in his left. This is to show love and knowledge. This sphere is being carried up in glory by angels.

Even though we see Christ departing, the Orthodox Church sees the second and glorious coming in the same icon. Jesus said he would return exactly as he ascended. The icon does not show direction. Though Christ has ascended, He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

The Theotokos

The focus of the lower part of the icon is the Theotokos. She represents the entire Church waiting for Jesus’ return.

The Disciples

The entire group, the Theotokos and the disciples also represent the Church. In this case the faithful learning Christians. The disciples are waiting for the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and are shown in confusion.

The disciples shown can not be the historical gathering, but again a image of the Church. The Apostle Paul who was still Saul, a nonbeliever at that time, is standing next to Mary.

Angels

Then two angels in white clothes said to the disciples, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Then the disciples returned to Jerusalem (Acts 1:11).

Share This:



< PreviousNext >
You might also like:
image
Monastery of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
175 St. Tikhon's Road
Waymart, PA 18472
570-937-4067 (Phone)
  • Sat
    14Dec

    7:40 Hours & Divine Liturgy
    4:00 Vigil
  • Sun
    15Dec

    9:10 Hours and Divine Liturgy
    4:30 Vespers & Matins
  • Mon
    16Dec

    6:00 Midnight Office, Hours, & Liturgy
    4:30 Vespers & Matins
  • Getting to Know St. Herman
    12/12/24
    Read the life and spiritual guidance of America's first saint!
  • December News & Events
    11/30/24
    Fasting leads to feasting during the last month of the year.
  • Nativity Letter and Winter Newsletter
    11/29/24
    Archimandrite Sergius has released his annual outreach to friends of the monastery.
Bookstore
Bookstore
Coffee
Coffee
Seminary
Seminary
Museum
Museum
Arts Institute
Arts Institute

© 2021 Saint Tikhon's Monastery