Description
This striking fresco from the wall of the Studenica Monastery in Serbia from 1208-1209 is filled with a variety of bright colors that intensify this most singular tragic yet life-giving event in all of history. Here the Lord is already dead and has endured terrible suffering without complaint in love for each of us sinners who have or will ever live. The Virgin Mary looks down with great sorrow and quiet resignation, while St. John the Beloved Disciple bends his head, resting his cheek on his hand, overcome with love and emotion. The Centurion Longinus looks up at Christ and all that has just occurred and then exclaims in a confession of faith, “Truly this Man was the Son of God.”
Two Angels look down with wonder, for this is a great act of love of God for His Creation, first in becoming incarnate, and then taking on this most humiliating and terrible death for the redemption of all mankind. The Prophet Isaiah is above holding a scroll which has prophesies about our Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ. Behind Him is the blue sky with stars just above Jerusalem and the earth below. Remember us, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom!