Description
This is a Greek icon of Christ’s Crucifixion just after Jesus has said, “It is finished” and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost (John 19:30). Now He is peaceful for all things that His Father has asked Him to do in public work has been accomplished, yet the Resurrection will complete this work in just three days. What is remarkable is not just that God loved us so much that He died for us, but that He did this without complaint or defending Himself, showing a perfect icon of faith, meekness, and humility.
The Virgin Mary and four of the Myrrh-Bearing Women lament on one side of the Cross, and St. John the Beloved Disciple touches his cheek in a tender look of sorrow and yet resignation. St. Longinus the Centurion also stands here and is in the process of conversion with a confession of faith saying, “Truly this Man was the Son of God.” When important moments come in our life, often we have an opportunity to choose how we will respond: with a Godly mind and heart, open to faith and love, or with an unrepentant fallen human mind, unwilling to repent, and wanting to blame others and circumstances. Let us choose the best path!