Orthodox icon | The Descent from the Cross and the Entombment of Christ | 24845

Left:

Joseph of Arimathea (July 31), Saint Nicodemus (3rd Sunday of Easter) and the apostle and evangelist John the Theologian (May 8) taking down the body of Jesus from the cross. In addition, Maria Magdalena (3rd Sunday of Easter) and the Mother of God.

In the canonical Gospels there is no account of the Descent from the Cross and the Lamentation of Jesus. They only register that Joseph of Arimathea asks Pilate for the body of Jesus, that he takes Jesus down from the cross, wraps it in a linen cloth and puts it in a tomb carved in a rock. Only John mentions that Nicodemus is also there. Icon writers follow a sermon by Gregory of Nicomedia when presenting the theme. The feast day is Great and Holy Friday.

Right:

Joseph of Arimathea (July 31), the apostle and evangelist John the Theologian (May 8), Our Lady, Mary Magdalene (3rd Sunday of Easter), Mary Cleopas and Saint Nicodemus (3rd Sunday of Easter). In addition, two angels.

The orthodox burial icon depicts the burial of Jesus in a form unfamiliar to Western tradition. Despite the variety of details, this icon always contains the same symbols and types. The icon refers to the Gospel according to Mark, Chapter 15:42-47. The Entombment icon belongs to the Passion icons.