Description
This icon tells the beautiful story of salvation and shows us the behind the scenes of Christ saving His people from the fire of Hades and its evil armies. It is referred to as Christ’s Descent into Hades, Anastasis or Resurrection icon and is the primary icon of the Feast of Resurrection (Easter). Christ’s cape/robe is flowing upward, which symbolizes his radical descent into Hades to save those who have died in the flesh.
At Christ’s feet lie the shattered golden gates of Hades, symbolizing His triumphant breaking and destruction of death’s stronghold. Scattered keys float in the abyss beneath, representing His authority over both death and Hades—He has entered, conquered, and emerged victorious.
Christ is shown pulling Adam and Eve from their tombs, a powerful image of redemption. This act not only signifies the salvation of all humanity, beginning with the first humans, but also serves as a foreshadowing of the general resurrection—the raising of all the dead at the Final Judgment.
Encircling Christ is a radiant red shape known as the Mandorla (Italian for “almond,” referencing its shape). This is no ordinary light; it represents the uncreated, divine light of Christ—the same light that overwhelmed the apostles during the Transfiguration, the light that pierced and illuminated the darkness of Hades when Christ descended there, and the light that is revealed to those who purify their hearts and minds. As Christ Himself taught, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).
Interesting Fact
In the Resurrection icon, Christ pulls Adam and Eve from their tombs, symbolizing His victory over death and the redemption of all humanity.
Citations
Arakaki, Robert. “Evidence for Christ’s Descent Into Hell.” Orthodox-Reformed Bridge, https://orthodoxbridge.com/2018/04/06/evidence-christs-descent-hell/. Accessed 16 May 2025.