Russian Icon - the Kiss of Judas (the Betrayal by Judas)

This icon, known in Orthodox tradition as the Betrayal by Judas or the Kiss of Judas, depicts the poignant moment of our Lord Jesus Christ's arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, as foretold in the Gospels. At the center, Christ stands serene and divine, His halo radiant with uncreated light, eyes meeting Judas with sorrowful compassion. Judas Iscariot approaches from the side, leaning in to deliver the treacherous kiss upon the Savior's cheek. In the distance is a tumultuous crowd of soldiers, their faces fierce and shadowed by malice. To one side, Saint Peter in attending to the servant Malchus, whom Christ will heal in mercy. In this image, the kiss that should signify love becomes the instrument of betrayal, revealing the depths of human sin and the boundless patience of the Incarnate God.