Icon of the Crucifixion
This beautiful icon window is found in our Vancouver sister church, Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church. It is one of several icon windows that grace this church and, on a sunny day, these windows proclaim the Gospel in a spectacular way!
The following is taken from the church pamphlet explaining this icon:
“Below Jesus on the cross is a skull in a black cave, which represents Adam and all humanity in darkness, unable to access paradise because of sin. The blood of Christ flows over the skull and cave, washing away the sins of all mankind. The Mother of God, clothed in a royal colour, is gesturing toward the sacrifice of her Son, and praying for us. Jesus establishes His mother to become the mother of the “most beloved apostle,” St. John, who now as her son took her into his home. St. John represents all of us, who are called to accept Mary as our mother, take her into our homes and become her spiritual sons and daughters.”
Notice how Christ’s hands are palm up – they are in a gesture of gathering, welcoming. We are called to be with him in this icon.
Jesus, who stretches out Your hands from the Cross to all, draw me to Yourself, for I too have gone astray! – Hymn to the Passion of Christ
To learn more about the Icon of the Crucifixion see: https://iconreader.wordpress.com/2011/03/04/the-crucifixion-iconmeaning-of-the-cross/