The Descent from the Cross icon, Jesus Christ icon Handmade Greek Orthodox icon, Byzantine art wall hanging wood plaque icon, religious gift

In this handmade lithography with double varnish to ensure waterproof properties and long lasting in time, we have the representation of the Descent from the Cross after Jesus death. Jesus on the cross of martyrdom with Virgin Mary staring at Her Son with agony and deep pain because of His suffering on the cross for the sake of mankind. At the left side there is Saint John, the favorite Apostle of Jesus, who stands helpless and watches the Crucifixion. The Crucifixion of Jesus is the ultimate act of love from God towards humanity. Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself and offered to all people atonement and salvation. Crucifixion is one of the most common iconographic themes, as it contains strong symbolism.

The Descent from the Cross (Greek: Ἀποκαθήλωσις, Apokathelosis), or Deposition of Christ, is the scene, as depicted in art, from the Gospels' accounts of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus taking Christ down from the cross after his crucifixion (John 19:38–42). In Byzantine art the topic became popular in the 9th century, and in the West from the 10th century. The Descent from the Cross is the 13th Station of the Cross, and is also the sixth of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

This service is known as the Vesper Service of Great Friday commonly known as the Apokathelosis. This Vespers service concludes the remembrance of the events of the Lord's Passion, and leads us towards watchful expectation as we contemplate the mystery of the Lord's descent into Hades.