The Resurrection of the Lord



The Appearance of the Risen Lord to Mary Magdalene, by the hand of Matthew D. Garrett 1999 The Myrrh-Bearing Women, by the hand of Matthew D. Garrett, Great Lent 2007
click to enlarge


The actual Resurrection of Christ is not traditionally depicted in Byzantine Iconography because no one witnessed the resurrection. Instead, iconography of the Descent into Hades and the appearances of the Lord after his resurrection has developed. The event in the icon on the left is recounted in Jn. 20:11-18. This icon is often called "Noli Me Tangere" Meaning "Touch Me Not" These are the words Jesus says to Mary because he has not yet ascended to His Father in Heaven.

The icon on the right is of the Myrrh-Bearing women arriving at the empty tomb. Early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women disciples of Christ came to His tomb to anoint his body with fragrant spices. Because of their faithfulness to their master, they were the first to hear the good news of Christ's resurrection from the dead, and were charged with telling His disciples that He had risen from the dead.