Orthodox icon | Ascension of Christ | 24836

Orthodox icon | Ascension of Christ | 24836.

The Lord rises and ascends to heaven, leaving behind the Blessed Mother and the apostles.

At the pinnacle of the Mount of Olives, where the Church of the Assumption now stands as a mosque since 1198, Christ ascended. As the apostles watched, he lifted from the earth and vanished from their view, shrouded by a cloud.

In this scene, Mary stands as the church’s backbone and foundation, bridging the gap between heaven and earth. Above, angelic powers surround Christ as they welcome him to his heavenly throne. Simultaneously, on earth, angels deliver messages to the apostles.

Within the Orthodox Church’s liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Ascension carries deep solemnity. Tied to the movable Easter festival, its celebration can fall as early as April 30 or as late as June 3.

This portrayal sits within a later-added panel.

Source: Orthodox icon | Ascension of Christ | 24836 © Ikonen Mautner. Typing errors, other errors or changes reserved. For more information: “Das Synaxarion. Die Leben der Heiligen der Orthodoxen Kirche.” (http://www.prodromos-verlag.de/buecher.html) and Joachim Schäfer: Das Ökumenische Heiligenlexikon – https://www.heiligenlexikon.de