Russian Icon - the Crucifixion of Christ

This icon portrays the Crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ upon the Cross at Golgotha, the place of the Skull. At its heart stands the Son of God, willingly offering Himself for the salvation of mankind, His divine form bowed in suffering yet radiant with redemptive love. Flanking Him in reverent mourning are the faithful witnesses: to one side, the Most Holy Theotokos, the Ever-Virgin Mother of God, whose heart is pierced by sorrow as foretold by Simeon; Saint Martha, the righteous sister of Lazarus, embodying steadfast service and faith. Opposite stand Saint John the Theologian, the beloved disciple entrusted with her care and Saint Longinus the Centurion, once a Roman soldier who pierced the Savior’s side, yet through grace confessed, “Truly this was the Son of God,” and became a martyr for Christ. Walls of Jerusalem are shown in the background.