Orthodox icon | Ascension of Christ | 24836

The risen one ascends to heaven. He left the Blessed Mother and the apostles on earth.

On the highest elevation of the Mount of Olives, where the Church of the Assumption (a mosque since 1198) was located, is the place where Christ was lifted up from the earth in front of the apostles’ eyes and taken up by a cloud that hid him from their sight. Mary is considered here as the pillar and the foundation of the church, the axis that connects the earth with heaven, where Christ is received on a throne under the angelic powers. On earth the angels reprimand the apostles.

The feast of Ascension is celebrated in the liturgy of the Orthodox Church as a solemn festival. The date of the solemn festival depends on the date of the movable Easter festival. The earliest possible date is April 30, the latest June 3.

Icon set into a later panel.