Resurrection of Christ. Icons of the Descent into Hell

The descent of Jesus Christ to the darkness of the underworld after death on the cross is one of the main unquestioning statements (dogmas) of Christian teaching. This theme is reflected in icons, artists’ paintings, and church paintings. The coming of the Savior to hell belongs to the list of the Passion of the Lord ( last supper, betrayal of Judas, arrest, scourging, the road to Golgotha, crucifixion, etc.) and is its culmination. Each icon of the Descent of Christ into Hell, made in compliance with Byzantine and Old Russian traditions, is at the same time considered an image of the Resurrection of Christ (Anastasis). This event is celebrated by honoring Holy Saturday. It is believed that the descent took place on the second day after the Son of God was laid in the tomb.

Biblical references to Christ's visit to hell

There is no exact and detailed description of the descent of Jesus Christ into hell. A picture can only be drawn from individual strokes and references to the apostles of the New Testament. For example:

• The Epistle from Peter contains the words that after death the Savior came to life in spirit and preached to sinners, descending to the abyss.
• Christ himself, addressing his disciples, predicted fate: he compared his future (“The Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights”) with Jonah, who was in the dark belly of a whale for 3 days.
• Prophecies from the Old Testament that the Son of God will break the iron bars, crush the doors in order to give the Almighty riches and treasures stored in darkness.

The rather transparent allegorical nature of the statements allows us to restore the picture on canvas, adding to it our own special interpretation.

Bishop Hilarion formulated the main conclusions from the information contained in various texts of the Bible. The fact that Jesus descended into hell is part of church dogmatic teaching. The reality of the event is undeniable, but there are differences in interpretations as to who the Savior brought out of the underworld: all people or only the Old Testament righteous. There are also different opinions on the question of whom Jesus preached during the descent and liberation of those imprisoned from the underworld. The words that the Son of God descended into hell, conquered death and destroyed (or destroyed) underworld, are explained differently by different religious classical movements.

Iconographic traditions of the Descent of Jesus Christ into hell

The iconography of the Descent of Jesus into the depths of hell was formed approximately at the turn of the 9th-10th centuries. It can be seen on Byzantine mosaics. The central figure in the composition of the icon is always Christ, who brings the first man, Adam, out of the underworld. The Savior extends his second hand to Eve (or holds the cross). Angels are written above the head of Jesus, sometimes they represent the personification of human virtues - happiness, purity, humility - and have corresponding signatures. The presence of hammers in their hands indicates a struggle with dark force- Satan. Another interpretation of the event: The demon is tied with a rope.

The redemptive sacrifice of the event is indicated by the image at the top of the Calvary cross. Also, the most frequent characters in the composition of the icon are the ancestors of the Savior - kings Solomon and David; symbol of sacrifice - innocently killed by brother Abel; the man who informed the inhabitants of the dark abysses about the appearance of the Messiah is John the Baptist.

Under the feet of Jesus Christ lie broken locks and the gates of hell, the parts of which, as a rule, fold crosswise. The Savior steps on the defeated, crushed Satan, often the latter is depicted shackled with strong chains. The underworld traditionally looks like a symbolic split in the earth, from which a terrifying, mysterious abyss peers out. Conventionally, the space of each icon depicting the descent of the Messiah into hell can be divided into three parts:

• underworld;
• the intermediate zone is not of this world;
• a place for bringing out righteous souls.

According to the position of the figure of Christ on the icon, several types of images are distinguished:

• Jesus goes to meet Adam (narrative).
• The Savior leads Adam along (Renaissance).
• The frontal image of the Son of God, who stretched out his arms to everyone present, is dogmatic (hymnological). In this case, the figure of Christ is surrounded by a light luminous halo - power.
• Combined position.

Features of images of the descent into hell according to Western European tradition

The composition and plot of the depiction of Jesus' descent into the abyss was not regulated by the strict rules of the Western European tradition. Therefore, the versions of the paintings could differ greatly. So, for example, the Savior could bring out not only Adam, but also his son Seth, David, Moses, Isaiah, John the Baptist, etc. The place of hell, where the Messiah descended, could also be designated and called “Christ in limbo.” The figure of the Son of God was depicted bending over the split of the earthly firmament (Duccio “Christ in Limbo”) or in early versions the personification of hell was the mouth of a huge monster - a leviathan, a whale, a lion, overflowing human souls(Jaime Serra “Christ Leads the Righteous from Hell”).

Sometimes hell in an icon is represented as an allegorical personified image of an old man. He is shackled, defeated and defeated by the Savior.

Researchers pay attention to the unique characteristic of icons - the rapid directional movement of Christ. He simultaneously descends to the depths of hell and takes off from it, taking saved people with him. The dynamics are conveyed by the movement of the folds of Jesus' clothes. Such an image is intended to convey hidden meaning– The Sunday of the Savior, which follows his descent into the dark depths.

An unambiguously unresolved question: “Which people did Christ bring out of hell?” - reflected in the composition of the fresco, which is located in the Chora Monastery of Constantinople, dating back to 1315–1320. Central part The image is occupied by Jesus, dressed in white robes. With his right hand he holds the hand of Adam, who is rushing towards the Savior. With his left hand the Messiah holds the hand of Eve. The woman in red reaches heavily with great effort towards liberation from the abyss of the underworld. To the right of Christ were the righteous with John the Baptist; to the left, a group of sinners with Cain stood hesitantly and tensely. They do not know whether the Son of God will save them, whether the words of the Messiah concern them.

Depiction of the descent of the Messiah in the Russian tradition

Along with the adoption of Christianity from Byzantium, the image of the Resurrection or Descent of Christ into hell that developed there passed on to icon painters in Rus'. Old images of Anastasis dating back to the 11th – early 15th centuries have survived to this day.

Fresco "Anastasis" in St. Sophia Cathedral

In the Kiev St. Sophia Cathedral you can see one of the most ancient frescoes “Anastasis”. It dates back to the 11th century.

Christ steps on the broken gates of hell. With his left hand he holds a cross, and with his right hand he leads Adam, who has knelt down, out of the underworld. The figure of Eve is depicted near Adam. Now it is difficult to argue that the presence of the prophet Isaiah and Simeon in the group was original. Perhaps this is an addition made during restoration. To the right of Christ are (in the sarcophagus) Solomon, David, John the Baptist, pointing with his hand to the Messiah. The image has a frozen and solemn character, which is inherent in many similar creations that demonstrate the Resurrection of Christ on icons and frescoes of churches in Bulgaria, Georgia, Serbia, Macedonia, Armenia, and the Coptic Church.

Prokhor from Gorodets

An old icon painter, a representative of the Moscow school of painting of the early 15th century, is known under the name Prokhor from Gorodets. Presumably this man was the teacher of the famous Andrei Rublev. The chronicle calls the icon painter Prokhor an “old man.”

The icon of Prokhor from Gorodets “Descent into Hell” is today on display in the Annunciation Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. Experts date it back to the end of the 14th – beginning of the 15th century.

Andrey Rublev

Andrei Rublev's work about the descent into hell was created by the artist around 1408. Today it is an exhibit in the treasury of the State Tretyakov Gallery.

The main difference between Andrei Rublev's works of art is the careful detailed drawing of the faces of all the characters. Before us are living people with feelings, thoughts, experiences. Christ steps on the broken gates of hell, bending slightly to take the kneeling Adam by the hand. Adam stands on a tomb made of stone, and next to him, little Eve, highlighted by a bright red robe, straightened up, turning to the Messiah. Behind her, the forefathers gathered in a close group with the son of Simeon the God-Receiver, who narrates this event. To the left of Jesus are Kings Solomon, David and the massive figure of John the Baptist. Everyone bows their heads before the Son of God.

Jesus Christ is depicted with wings, a light blue glow spreading from his silhouette - a glory that stands out clearly against the black mouth of the cave. Rublev's works are distinguished by brightness and emotionality. The icon radiates joy and optimism, conveying these impressions of the described event to the viewer. The canvas depicts not a strict judge, but a caring and kind father.

Dionysius

Dionysius is a famous Moscow icon painter who lived at the turn of the late 15th and early 16th centuries. He is rightfully considered a follower of the traditions of A. Rublev. Features of the icons of Dionysius include increased attention to the depiction and designation (signing) of human vices and virtues (angels and demons).

The icon “The Descent of Christ into Hell” was painted by Dionysius in 1502-1503. The composition of the painting includes several parts. The center of the canvas is occupied by the figure of the Messiah, shining with golden robes. This color was not chosen by chance; it personifies the Sun of Resurrection and celebrates victory over death. A huge black cave of the underworld opened up under the feet of the Son of God. Demons, stricken with fear, writhe there. Their outlines, gray on black, resemble dark smoky clouds.

Christ is depicted surrounded by a blue radiance of glory, which is filled with twelve angels. Angels with their long spears overtake demons, each of which is the personification of a specific vice. Virtues conquer vices. At the very bottom of the composition, angels bind the defeated, crushed Satan.

The gates of hell are broken and folded into a cross; the Savior’s foot steps on them. The Messiah holds hands, helping Adam and Eve rise from the graves. Immediately after the first people are martyrs, prophets, righteous people, forefathers. All of them are directed towards Jesus Christ, thirsting for salvation. Halos highlight Kings Solomon and David, John the Baptist, and the prophets of the Old Testament.

Prayer before the icon

The icon “Resurrection”, or “Descent into Hell”, has retained its main meaning since ancient times - the image of the holiday of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is installed in the festive row of the iconostasis. If the temple itself and its decoration are dedicated to the Resurrection of Christ, the icon should be located second to the right of the Royal Doors.

The image of “The Resurrection of Christ” reminds everyone of the purpose of human life - to strive for everything righteous, bright, to inherit the Savior in deeds and thoughts.

• A person who opens his heart to the Lord and accepts changes to transform his soul will be able to change his life. Happiness is achievable for everyone, regardless of the amount of material wealth. Prayer is the path to happiness, so you need to pray in front of icons sincerely and constantly. The main Christian prayers are the “Creed”, “Our Father”, “Prayer to the Holy Spirit”. In front of the “Descent into Hell” icon, you can ask the Almighty for:
• intangible gifts
• assistance at work,
• health of loved ones,
• assistance in education, permission difficult situations

, etc.

. .

17 The Descent of Christ into Hell. .

. Biblical Description of Hell. Argumentation

believers in the resurrection of Christ. Arguments of opponents of the resurrection of Christ.

? Ascension of Christ to Heaven.

How was the liberation of the ancient righteous achieved?, ancient people?

And what is the significance of the resurrection of Christ for people?

Teaching about the Descent of the Lord into Hell

Holy Scripture directly says that immediately after death the Lord descended into hell.

First text : « To whom He and to the spirits in prison , getting off , preached , once

disobedient to God's long-suffering awaiting them , in the days of Noah , during construction

ark , in which few , that is, eight souls , escaped from the water » (1 Peter 3:19-20).

After death, Christ went down into prison to the spirits in hell to preach there

Sunday. To be sure that these were dead people, let us turn to the book

Genesis: « When people began to multiply on earth and daughters were born to them , then sons

Gods saw the daughters of men , that they are beautiful , and took [ their ] to be my wife , which one

who elected . And the Lord said: My Spirit will not forever be despised by men. ;

because they are flesh ; let their days be a hundred and twenty years . Were on earth at that time

giants , especially since that time , how the sons of God began to come in to their daughters

human , and they began to give birth to them: these are strong , glorious people since ancient times » (Gen. 6, 1-

The second place that speaks of the Lord’s descent into hell: « This , according to a certain

devoted to the advice and foreknowledge of God , you took and , nailed by the hands of the lawless ,

killed ; but God raised Him up , breaking the bonds of death , because it was impossible for her

hold Him . For David says of Him: I saw the Lord always before me , for He

at my right hand , so that I will not be shaken . Because of this my heart rejoiced and rejoiced

my tongue ; even my flesh will rest in hope , for You will not leave my soul in hell

and You will not allow Your holy one to see corruption . You let me know the way of life , You

fill me with joy before You . Men and brethren ! may it be permitted with

boldly to tell you about the forefather David , that he died and was buried , and his coffin is with us to this day . Being a prophet and knowing , that God promised him with an oath from the fruit of his loins

raise up Christ in the flesh and seat him on his throne , He previously spoke about

resurrection of Christ , that His soul was not left in hell , and His flesh saw no corruption .

God raised this Jesus , what we are all witnesses to » (Acts 2:23-32).

How could the Lord be in both hell and heaven at the same time?

« And Jesus said to him, Truly I say to you , today you will be with Me in Paradise »

(Luke 23:43). The Lord is omnipresent: « No one has ascended to heaven , as soon as he came down from heaven

Son of Man , who is in heaven » (John 3:13).

As a deity, he brought the repentant thief into heaven, but with his soul he was in hell. Is there some more

one place that speaks of the Lord's power over death and hell: « For Christ is for

that's why he died , and rose again , and came to life , to have dominion over both the dead and the living »

(Rom. 14:9). To establish His power over the dead, He descended into hell: « And when I

saw Him , then he fell at His feet , like dead . And He laid His right hand on me and

told me: don't be afraid ; I am the First and the Last , and alive ; and was dead , and so on , alive in

forever and ever , Amen ; and I have the keys of hell and death » (Rev. 1, 17-18). This is what he says

message of the apostle Paul: « A " ascended " what does it mean , how is it not , that He descended

first to the underworlds of the earth ? Descended , He is the one who has ascended above all

heaven , to fill everything » (Eph. 4:9-10).

Base church prayer for the dead we find in the epistles of the apostle

Paul to the Ephesians and to the Romans.

IN Old Testament not everyone was saved.

Antediluvian people, just like now, could be saved, but they could also die. What people

entered the Kingdom of Heaven after Christ's descent into hell? Those who repented during their lifetime

bowed to the One God, wanted to live according to the commandments (act according to conscience). Until the resurrection

Christ, all those who died went to hell, including the Old Testament righteous, and no one could be freed, only Christ freed the righteous - people who lived according to their conscience and

repentant.

« But , according to your stubbornness and unrepentant heart , you are gathering anger for yourself

day of wrath and revelation of righteous judgment from God , Who will reward everyone according to their deeds

him: those , who by constancy in good deeds seek glory , honor and immortality , -

eternal life ; and then , who persist and do not submit to the truth , but they indulge

untruth , - rage and anger . Sorrow and distress for every human soul , doing evil , in -

first , Judea , [ Then ] and Yellina ! Against , glory and honor and peace to everyone , doing

Kind , in - first , Judea , [ Then ] and Ellin ! For there is no partiality with God » (Rom. 2:5-11).

The Hellenes are ancient pagans who were saved if they did not worship idols,

lived according to conscience (according to the interpretation of St. John Chrysostom).

17 The Descent of Christ into Hell.

Hell is described, for example, in the Book of the prophet Isaiah: « Hell has come to the underworld

movement for you , to meet you at your entrance ; woke up for you

Refaimov , all the leaders of the earth ; raised up all the kings of the heathen from their thrones . They will all tell you: and you have become powerless , like us ! and you became like us ! IN

your pride has been cast down to hell with all your noise ; lies beneath you

worm , and worms - your cover . How did you fall from the sky , morning star , son of the dawn ! crashed to the ground ,

trampled nations . And he spoke in his heart : " I will ascend to heaven , higher than the stars of God

I will exalt my throne and sit on the mount in the assembly of gods , at the edge of the north ; I will ascend to the heights

cloud , I will be like the Almighty ". But you're cast into hell , into the depths of the underworld .

Those who see you peer into you , thinking about you : " is this the right person ,

who shook the earth , shook kingdoms , made the universe a desert and destroyed

her city , did not let his captives go home ?" All the kings of the nations , everyone lies with honor ,

each in his own tomb ; and you are cast out outside your tomb , like a despised branch ,

like the clothes of the dead , slain by the sword , who are lowered into stone ditches , - You , How

trampled corpse , you will not join them in the grave ; for you have destroyed your land , killed

your people: the tribe of evildoers will never be remembered » (Isa. 14:9-20).

The most detailed description of hell is contained in the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel. Here

we are talking about hell not in the sense of punishment, but in the sense of imprisonment of souls.

« In the twelfth year , on the fifteenth [ same day ] months , there was a word for me

of the Lord: son of man ! mourn the people of Egypt , and cast him down , him and his daughters

famous nations to the underworld , with those going to the grave . Who are you superior to? ?

come down , and lie with the uncircumcised . They will fall among those slain by the sword , and he was given to the sword ; attract

him and all his multitude . Among the underworld they will talk about him and his allies

the first of the heroes ; they have fallen and lie there among the uncircumcised , slain by sword »

(Ezek. 32:17-21).

This place shows that the new arrivals are being discussed in the underworld.

« There is Assur and all his hordes , their coffins are around him , all affected , fallen from

sword . His coffins are placed in the very depths of the underworld , and his horde is round about his tomb , all affected , fallen by the sword , those , who spread terror in the land of the living » (Ezek. 32, 22-23).__ 4

In hell, souls lie in symbolic tombs, they are located around

ancestors of nations. The righteous were located in a special place, they saw God,

That's why they were filled with a certain joy - even in hell.

« So Elam with all his multitude around his tomb , they are all amazed ,

fallen by the sword , who went down to the pit uncircumcised , which

spread terror throughout the land of the living and carry their shame with those who have gone to the grave .

Among the slain they gave him a bed with all his multitude ; their coffins are around him , All

uncircumcised , struck by the sword ; and how they spread terror in the land of the living , then and

bear shame along with those who went to the grave and are laid among the slain »

(Ezek. 32:24-25).

People who shed other people's blood in earthly life retain this desire even after

death, their hatred remains with them (swords under their heads).

« Meshech and Tubal are there with all their multitude. ; their coffins are around him , All

uncircumcised , struck by the sword , because they spread terror on earth

alive . Shouldn't we [ And ] they lie with the fallen heroes uncircumcised , who with

they descended into the underworld with their weapons of war and put their swords under their heads , and their iniquity remained in their bones , because they , how strong , were a horror

land of the living . And you will be crushed among the uncircumcised and lie with the slain

sword . There is Edom and its kings and all its princes , who, with all their courage

laid among those slain by the sword ; they lie with the uncircumcised and those who have gone down to the grave .

There are the lords of the north , all of them and all of them are Sidonians , who went down there stricken ,

being put to shame in their power , terrifying , and they lie with the uncircumcised ,

struck by the sword , and carry their shame with those who go to the grave . Pharaoh will see them and

will be comforted by all his multitude , struck by a sword , Pharaoh and all his army ,

says the Lord God . For I will spread My fear in the land of the living , and it will be laid

Pharaoh and all his multitude among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword , speaks

God » (Ezek. 32:26-32).

Meshech is the ancestor of the Slavs, Tubal is the ancestor of the Georgians. Please note: Pharaoh came

to hell, he will be able to see everything for himself. Church tradition claims that the souls of those who died from the 9th

on the 40th day they inspect hell, therefore the Church especially prays for the newly deceased

person. The point is for a person to understand what sin leads to by seeing the consequences of sin.

In hell there is rot and worms, as well as a black abyss, darkness: « Before I go , - And

I won't come back , - to the land of darkness and the shadow of death , to the land of darkness , what is darkness like?

shadow of death , where there is no device , [ Where ] dark , like the darkness itself » (Job 10, 21-22);

« Why didn't I die? , coming out of the womb , and didn't die , when he came out of the womb ? Why5

my knees took me ? why did I have to suck nipples ? Now I would lie down and rest ; slept

would , and I would be at peace with the kings and advisers of the earth , which they built for themselves

desert , or with princes , who had gold , and who filled their houses

silver ; or , like a hidden miscarriage , I wouldn't exist , like babies , never seen the light . There the lawless cease to cause fear , and there rest those exhausted in strength . There the prisoners enjoy peace together and do not hear the screams of the guard .

Small and great are equal there , and the servant is free from his master » (Job 3:11-19).

God is light: « God is light , and there is no darkness in Him » (1 John 1:5). Light (God)

comes to darkness (hell), and hell as a place of darkness disappears, hell is destroyed. The essence of hell is

not seeing God. The word "hell" comes from the Greek "ades" - invisible. Bible

understands it specifically - as an invisible region where the Lord descends. Details

the descent of Christ into hell is contained in the odes of Solomon, the epistle of the Apostle Barnabas, the ancient

Apocrypha (Gospel of Peter - II century, Gospel of Nicodemus - IV-V centuries), sermons about

The Cross of the Hieromartyr Hippolytus of Rome (beginning of the 3rd century), the “Book of Heresies” of the saint

Irenaeus of Lyons, in the work of Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeev) “Christ is the Destroyer

hell" and a number of other texts. All these texts say some general things, talk about

dialogue with Satan, who at first rejoices at the approaching Christ, but when he sees

He is in a bright light, begins to panic, saying to close the door and under no circumstances

They didn't let Jesus Christ in.

What happened after Christ's descent into hell.

As St. John Chrysostom says, hell is a place of powerlessness, this place

the border of existence. The soul of a person who has died and has not been revived by the sacraments is a powerless

soul, because it is corroded by unrestrained passions. Hell is the place

hopeless melancholy, but the Bible says nothing about torment. Sinners are tormented by fire

insatiable desires. And real torment will begin only after the end of the world.

After Christ's arrival in hell, the following events unfold.

1. Satan does not want to let Christ into hell.

2. Christ breaks into hell and destroys it, the gates of hell fall. And because of this fall

there was an earthquake on earth. This is described in detail in Psalm 106: « They sat in darkness and the shadow of death , bound in sorrow and iron ; for they did not obey the words of God and were careless about the will of the Most High . He humbled his heart with their works ; they stumbled , and there was no help . But they cried out to the Lord in their sorrow , and He saved them from their troubles ; brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death , and broke their bonds . Let them glorify the Lord for His mercy and for His wonderful works for the sons of men: for He has broken in pieces the gates of brass and rope.

iron broken » (Ps. 106, 10-16 ).

3. Angels lead Satan to Christ.

4. Christ asks Satan by what right he dared to stretch out his hand to Christ,

for He committed no sin. For this, Satan is deprived of his usual

place of residence.

5. Christ binds Satan with chains of eternal darkness and throws him into the world for a thousand years.

dungeon.

6. Christ speaks to the dead with living lips, and they wake up.

7. Christ awakens the righteous from sleep and all who were not idolaters and lived

according to his conscience, he takes them with Him to the Kingdom of Heaven.

8. From the very depths of hell, he leads Adam and Eve by the hand, saying to Adam: “Why are you

have you run so far from Me?

9. Christ resurrects several righteous people. According to legend, these were

Melchizedek, Job, the prophet Daniel, three youths, Simeon the God-Receiver and his two sons.

The Lord resurrects them so that they can tell on earth about the victory over death. They

they die on Ascension Day in order to enter heaven with the Lord. In the Evangelist Matthew

there is confirmation of the resurrection of the righteous: « And the coffins opened ; and many bodies

the saints who had fallen asleep were resurrected and , coming out of the graves after His resurrection , entered the holy city and

appeared to many » (Matt. 27:52-53).

Resurrection of Christ the Savior from the dead.

The Lord is the source of incorruption, and He showed incorruption to people: « Opened now

the appearance of our Savior Jesus Christ , who destroyed death and revealed life and

incorruption through the gospel » (2 Tim. 1:10).

From this moment on, participants in the Body of the Lord can have incorruptible bodies as a sign

future resurrection. The most amazing example of incorruption in Russia is the relics

St. Alexander of Svirsky, which are almost completely incorruptible and weigh

16 kilograms. The Reverend even retained his natural skin color. In the Bible

a case is described when a dead man came into contact with the bones of the prophet Elisha and

resurrected: « And it was , What , when one person was buried , That , seeing this horde ,

[ those who buried ] threw that man into the coffin Eliseev ; and as he fell he touched

Elisha's bones , and came to life , and stood up on his feet » (2 Kings 13:21).

There are many examples of miracles from the bones of saints, because this is a prototype of the future

resurrection

Why was the body of Jesus Christ incorruptible??

Due to the hypostatic unity of the God-man, death could not destroy him

Personality. At the moment of Christ's death, the soul was separated from the body, but the Divinity is indivisible, and

through the divine nature the connection between soul and body was preserved. At the moment of resurrection

the third barrier between God and people collapses - the barrier of death

(the barrier of natures is destroyed by the incarnation, the barrier of sin - on the Cross). The meaning of resurrection

Christ is described in detail in the first letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 15).

Why does Christ rise on the first day of the week? Christ rises for the first time

day of the week, because a new Universe begins. On the same day that God

created the Universe, He gives birth to it again through Christ, because He is the same God,

the same Jesus who stretched out the heavens at creation renews the universe at the same

day.

Why was Christ crucified on Friday?

On this day man was created. Animals were created in the morning, and man

created during the day. And at the same time that man was created, Christ was crucified on

Cross.

Why did the Lord lie in the grave on Saturday??

Saturday is a day of rest. The identity of the days of creation and the days of redemption indicates

identity of the Doer.

Why is unknown , at what point is Christ resurrected ?

The eighth day of Creation is the entry of the Universe into eternity, and eternity is not

described by time. Therefore, the moment of resurrection remains a mystery and is not described

nobody. Even the angels did not see how Jesus rose from the dead: He sends an angel already

resurrected in body. And from this moment a new Universe begins. Christ rises in

the day of the sheaf of the new harvest, He is the firstborn from the dead. Harvest Sacrifice

begins on Easter and ends on the day of Pentecost.

When will the resurrection begin?

It has already begun. At the moment of resurrection, the transformation of heaven and earth begins.

After the resurrection of our bodies, the process of the resurrection of the Universe will be completed. Saint Gregory

Nyssa in the 4th century said that, according to philosophy, all bodies consist of atoms, and y8

Each atom has its own energy, and this energy is hidden, it usually does not manifest itself. But

on the day of resurrection, God will command this energy, and it will open and burn death onto

atomic level. Nuclear energy will be discovered - and this was said in the 4th century.

What a progressive thing is Orthodox theology! In the 4th century

talked about nuclear fusion. God is resurrected in the same body, but already

Transfigured, He passes through the Shroud. The soldiers were unpleasantly surprised

when they learned that they were guarding an empty tomb. There is a "Cambridge Manuscript"

(early 5th century), it says that an angel literally threw a stone on top of the coffin.

The tomb was guarded by a Roman guard of 16 people, four of whom were directly

stood at the entrance to the tomb, the other 12 were at the fire, but all of them had no right to sleep.

How many angels were in the tomb ? Resurrection symbolism .

There were many angels: one sat on a stone from the tomb (for attentive Jews

undeniable symbol of the lid of the Ark of the Covenant), and the other two sat inside facing each other

friend (Luke 24:4). If in the Old Testament the most important item was the lid

purgatory (purgatory), then in the New - the Throne is considered the most important place. Throne

Symbol of the Holy Sepulcher. Altar covers mean swaddling cloths.

Why was the woman the first to hear the news of the resurrection? ?

The woman was the first to be punished, but the woman was the first to be blessed.

Why was the coffin in the garden??

The Garden of Righteous Joseph is a symbol of the Garden of Eden.

Biblical Description of Hell.

Death is a personal being, a fallen angel: « And death and hell are thrown into the lake

fiery . This is the second death » (Rev. 20:14). This is a horseman with a scythe. Death arises as

curse result: « Truly , Truly I say to you, whoever keeps My word , he's not

will see death forever » (John 8:51). Christians die, but do not see death: the spirit of death to

doesn't come to him. They are already cut off from life and bound to Heaven.

The Arguments of Believers in the Resurrection of Christ.

1. Empty coffin.

2. The presence of adhesive shrouds remaining in place (if the body had been stolen,

then they would have stolen it along with the swaddling clothes).

3. The appearance of the risen Christ

4. Miracles that are associated with the risen Lord (power over demons, over

death).

Arguments of opponents of the resurrection of Christ .

1. The story of the resurrection is a fiction from beginning to end. However, the facts

confirming the resurrection are described by Josephus in his Antiquities of the Jews.

2. The most ancient argument, it is described in the Gospel: the body of Christ was

stolen from the tomb. This argument is made in the Jewish Anti-Christian

document “Toldot Yeshu” (VI century after the Nativity of Christ), in a number of references in the Talmud.

What is absurd about this version? For example, we see that no search was organized.

Finding the apostles was not so difficult. In the Roman Empire, all interrogations were conducted under

torture, and if the Body had really been stolen, the guards could not help

tell where it is hidden. But there was no interrogation. Both Christian and Jewish

There is not a single mention in the documents that anyone tried to legally

accused of stealing a body. Everything was accurately reported to Pilate by the guard, the chief of the guard

there was the centurion Longinus. 13 people out of 16 (guards) took money - payment for silence about

resurrection. The centurion Longinus was one of the three who did not take the money: he believed in

Christ and became a preacher, and was soon executed in the city of Caesarea.

Imagine this picture. 16 people of the Roman guard were sleeping (at that time in

the Roman army relied the death penalty for sleeping on duty), at this time to them

some people sneak up, rip off the seals, move completely silently

two-ton stone to the top of the tomb (more than three meters up), they silently take the body and

right on the spot they begin to tear off the bloody shrouds, then fold them up and carefully

put them in place, and give them the shape of the body. Then they take the Body and hide it

unknown where and tell everyone that Christ has risen from the dead to guarantee

get the death penalty for this. A very “logical” explanation. A whole chain of absurdities.

3. On the third day Christ was in the tomb, and the women came to the wrong tomb,

instead of an angel they saw a young man, and the description of the resurrection is a later insertion.

So, could the women get lost? They could. And the students could? And the students could.

But could the high priests get lost? On the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem

More than 3,000 people were baptized. The high priests are directly blamed for the death of Christ.

If the Body of Christ existed, it would have been shown to the people, but there was no body. There is an ancient text

from the time of Emperor Tiberius, found in the 60s of the 20th century, which says what

Theft of the dead from tombs carries the death penalty. It follows from this that10

Pilate wrote a memorandum to Rome and, to justify himself, assured that the body

stolen.

4 The tomb is empty because Christ fainted and Christ himself left the tomb.

This is the version of David Strauss, now it is supported by a number of Muslim

organizations. This version is developed by Dan Brown in his book “The Da Vinci Code”: supposedly

Christ and his wife Mary Magdalene left for France or Kashmir. What will happen

with a person, if he faints, roll him up tightly and hermetically in a cloth and put him in

an unventilated cold tomb with a temperature of about 0 ºС? This man doesn't care

will die. The maximum that a fainting person could do then was to fall down. Let's remember

that Christ’s heart was pierced with a spear (there was blood and water). But even if we imagine that He

after that he survived, there remains one obstacle - a two-ton stone that needs

fall off from the inside.

5. Jesus turned his body into gas and leaked out. This is what Jehovah's Witnesses think.

Can you eat gas? Gas and air do not have the ability to eat. And Christ

He ate and drank with the apostles many times. Can you feel the gas? Is it possible to put your fingers in

into gas wounds? Jehovah's Witnesses explain this by saying that Christ was resurrected in spirit: « So do us

now a baptism similar to this image , not carnal uncleanness washing , but a promise to God

good conscience , saves by the resurrection of Jesus Christ » (1 Peter 3:21), but it does not say there

that He was Risen in a spiritual body, without a fleshly body. The very word "resurrection"

involves the restoration of what has fallen. And Christ speaks to the apostles in the 24th chapter

The Gospel of Luke, which has bones and flesh. Many Israeli priests (at the time

There were 18,000 of them in the Second Temple) believed in the resurrection of Christ. About it

says in the Acts of the Apostles, in the New Testament. And until the 19th century, in many

information was passed on to priestly Jewish families that Jesus

really resurrected.

What did the Lord do after the resurrection?

« To whom He showed Himself alive , according to His suffering , with many faithful

evidence , for forty days, appearing to them and speaking about the Kingdom of God »

(Acts 1:3).

From this it is clear that Christ taught about the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.

Gifts of the risen Christ: 1) Baptism (Matthew 28:1-19; Mark 2:16); 2) understanding

Scriptures; 3) the promise of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Ascension of Christ to Heaven . On the 40th day, Christ ascends to Heaven. For us, the news of the ascension of Christ is

news about where our Motherland is located: « So , if you are risen with Christ , then seek the things above , where Christ sits at the right hand of God ; set your mind on things above , and not about earthly things . For you are dead , and your life is hidden with Christ in God . When will Christ appear? , life

yours , then you too will appear with Him in glory . So , put to death your members on the earth: fornication , uncleanness , passion , evil lust and covetousness , which is idolatry , for which the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience , in which you once addressed , when we lived between them . Now you put everything aside: anger , rage , anger , slander ,

the foul language of your lips ; don't tell lies to each other , having put off the old man with his deeds and put on the new , who is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him who created him , where there is no Greek , neither Judea , no circumcision , nor uncircumcision , barbarian , Skifa , slave , free , but Christ is all and in all » (Col. 3, 1-11).

Moral requirements follow from the fact of the resurrection of Christ. Christians

have life in heaven with Christ, they are dead to this world._

Descent into Hell

In the teaching of the Church, the descent into hell is inseparable from redemption. Since Adam died, the exhaustion of the Savior, who assumed his nature, had to reach the same depth to which Adam also descended. In other words, the descent into hell represents the end of Christ’s humiliation and at the same time the beginning of His glory. Although the Evangelists say nothing about this mysterious event, the Apostle Peter preaches about it, proclaiming it both in the revealed word on the day of Pentecost (see: Acts 2:14-40), and in the third chapter of his First Epistle: and a sermon came down to those in spiritual prison(1 Pet. 3:19). The victory of Christ over hell, the liberation of Adam and the Old Testament righteous, being the main theme of the Holy Saturday service, runs through the entire Easter service and is inseparable from the glorification of the risen Christ in the flesh. This theme seems to be intertwined with the theme of the Resurrection: “Thou hast descended into the underworld of the earth and shattered the eternal faiths that contain the bound ones, Christ and the third day, like Jonah from the whale, thou hast risen from the grave.”

Following liturgical texts, the icon of the Descent into Hell conveys the spiritual, otherworldly essence of the Resurrection - the Lord’s soul’s stay in hell, reveals the purpose and consequences of this stay. In accordance with the meaning of the event, the action in the icon takes place as if in the very depths of the earth, in hell, which is depicted as a gaping black abyss. In the center of the icon is the Savior, sharply distinguished by His position and colors from everything else. Author of the Easter Canon, St. John of Damascus says: “... although Christ died as a man, and His holy soul was separated from the immaculate body, the Divinity remained unseparated from both, that is, soul and body.” Therefore, in hell He appears not as its captive, but as the Victor, the Liberator of those imprisoned in it, not in the form of a slave, but as the Director of life. On the icon He is depicted in a shining halo, a symbol of glory, usually of different shades of blue color, often by outside dotted with stars and permeated with rays emanating from Him. His clothes are no longer the same in which He is depicted during the period of His earthly ministry: they are golden yellow in color and all glow, separated by thin golden rays, an assist. The darkness of hell is filled with the light of these divine rays, the radiance of the glory of the God-man who descended into it. This is already the light of the coming Resurrection, the rays and dawn of the coming Easter. The Savior tramples with his feet two doors folded crosswise - the broken gates of hell. On many icons, beneath them in the black abyss, the defeated disgusting figure of the prince of darkness, Satan, is visible. On later icons, many different details appear here, indicating the destroyed forces of hell: broken chains with which angels, in turn, bind Satan, keys, nails, etc. In his left hand, Christ holds a scroll - a symbol of the preaching of the Resurrection in hell, according to the testimony of St. Apostle Peter. Sometimes, instead of a scroll, He holds a cross, no longer a shameful instrument of execution, but a symbol of victory over death. Having broken the bonds of hell by His omnipotence, Christ right hand raises Adam from the grave (after whom the foremother Eve rises with folded hands in prayer), that is, frees the soul of Adam, and with him the souls of people who are awaiting His coming with faith. Therefore, on the sides of this scene are depicted two groups of Old Testament righteous people with prophets at their head. On the left side are kings David and Solomon in royal robes and crowns, and behind them John the Baptist; on the right is Moses with tablets in his hands. Seeing the Savior descended into hell, they immediately recognize Him and point others to the One about whom they prophesied, Whom they foretold.

By descending into hell, Christ took the last step on the path of His exhaustion. It was precisely by the fact that He “descended into the depths of the earth” that He opened the way to heaven for us. Having freed the old Adam, and with him all of humanity, from enslavement to that which embodies sin, darkness and death, He laid the foundation for a new life for those who united with Christ into a new, regenerated humanity. Thus, the spiritual elevation of Adam on the icon of the Descent into Hell is depicted as an image of the coming bodily resurrection, the first fruits of which was the Resurrection of Christ. Therefore, although this icon conveys the essence of the event of Holy Saturday and is taken out for worship on this day, it is and is called an Easter icon, as an image of the already approaching triumph of the Resurrection of Christ, and, consequently, a prelude to the future resurrection of the dead.

Every year after Easter throughout Holy Week On the lectern of each temple there is an icon of the descent into hell, which speaks of the miracle of the Resurrection of Christ, incomprehensible to the simple human mind. The feat accomplished by the Savior is of key importance both for the Christian faith and for all humanity. After all, He atoned for human sins, including the sins of those who had long since fallen asleep at the time of His preaching.

It is about how Christ went to hell in order to save from the sins found there that the icon speaks. This feat was accomplished before the Resurrection and testifies to the indescribable goodness and mercy of the Lord. After all, the Savior goes to underground kingdom in order to preach there too, to rescue the Old Testament righteous, as well as the founders of the human race: Adam and Eve.

As you know, it is original sin that determines the original sinful nature modern people. However, Christ saves Adam and Eve, atones for the sins of these people and also gives everyone the hope of salvation in him.

The Gospel texts do not describe the process of traveling to the underworld as such. Detailed description contained in the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus. By the way, for this reason, for a long time, the iconographic plot of the Resurrection was combined with the plot of the descent.

The subject of the icon “The Descent of Christ into Hell”

The layout took shape gradually and the images may vary, although now we can clearly talk about an established Orthodox canon. Some of the very first ancient Russian icons, where Christ descends into hell, belong to the work of icon painters Dionysius and Andrei Rublev. They depict a canonical plot, when Christ appears with outstretched arms in the center of the image.

There are also known images characteristic of the Renaissance (used mostly in Catholic Christianity) where the Savior carries the Old Testament righteous with him. There are also icons in which Christ goes to meet Adam, which symbolically speak of the liberation of the inhabitants of hell.

Let us dwell in more detail on the plot characteristic of Orthodox Christianity. In the central part is Christ in shining robes, he is depicted in a blue sphere, which indicates heavenly grace. In this sphere there are also seraphim and cherubim (ranks of angels) in golden reflections, angels also sanctify the darkness of hell.

The broken gates of hell and destroyed coffins are symbolically depicted. The kingdom of heaven invades hell and remains unstoppable, darkness cannot engulf it, barriers do not stop it.

So, in the center of the icon of the Descent of Christ into hell is the Savior himself, and a little lower, those who were waiting for his arrival. On the front there are Adam and Eve on two sides. Most often, Christ grabs Adam by the wrist, and Eve humbly looks at him and waits for him to pay attention to her. In addition, there are a lot of different people here, the composition may vary.

However, they almost always depict saints who were also waiting for the Savior to open the way to the Kingdom of Heaven again. For example, here stands John the Baptist, whom he recently met on earth, but there are also those who are waiting for much more. Kings David and Solomon are depicted with halos.

By this, the descent of Christ into hell in the icon emphasizes special meaning his feat. After all, if not for him, then the saints would have been left without heaven. Therefore, this icon has such a high value and is especially revered in the Orthodox canon.

At the top of the icon are angels who support the cross, which in turn symbolizes not only salvation, but also the church, which from now on on earth allows everyone to escape the fiery hyena through faith in Christ. Particular attention is paid to this image, of course, during the celebration of Easter, but prayers before it will be useful for believers almost always. This plot captures in clear form the essential fundamentals Orthodox faith, and also keeps a reminder of the eternal mercy of the Lord to people.

The meaning of the “Descent into Hell” icon is that this icon is an eternal reminder to people until the end of time - now the path to heaven is open.

Everyone can choose their own path to the resurrection from the dead, because the Lord has granted salvation to every person.

Prayers

Troparion to the Resurrection of Christ, tone 5

Christ is risen from the dead, /

trampling death by death, /

and gave life to those in the tombs.

Prayer to Holy Easter

O Most Sacred and Greatest Light of Christ, Who shone forth more than the sun throughout the whole world in Your Resurrection! In this bright and glorious and saving laziness of Holy Pascha, all the angels in heaven rejoice and every creature rejoices and rejoices on earth and every breath glorifies Thee, its Creator. Today the gates of heaven have opened, and I, having died, have been freed into hell by Your descent. Now everything is filled with light, the heavens are the earth and the underworld. May Your light come into our dark souls and hearts and may it enlighten our present night of sin, and may we also shine with the light of truth and purity in the bright days of Your Resurrection, like a new creation about You. And thus, enlightened by You, we will go forth in luminosity at the meeting of You, who comes to You from the tomb, like the Bridegroom. And as Thou didst rejoice on this bright day by Thy appearance of the holy virgins who came from the world to Thy grave in the morning, so now enlighten the deep night of our passions and dawn upon us the morning of passionlessness and purity, so that we may see Thee with our hearts, redder than the sun of our Bridegroom, and may we hear once again Your longed-for voice: Rejoice! And having thus tasted the Divine joys of the Holy Pascha while still here on earth, may we be partakers of Your eternal and great Pascha in heaven in the unevening days of Your Kingdom, where there will be unspeakable joy and those celebrating the unceasing voice and ineffable sweetness of those who behold Your ineffable kindness. For You are the True Light, enlightening and illuminating all things, Christ our God, and glory befits You forever and ever. Amen.