“The Harrowing of Hell,” from Saint Nicholas and Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Church, Vancouver BC.
From an ancient homily, author unknown:
“Something strange is happening – there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness. The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and He has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began. God has died in the flesh and hell trembles with fear.
He has gone to search for our first parents, as for a lost sheep. Greatly desiring to visit those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, He has gone to free from sorrow the captives Adam and Eve, He who is both God and the son of Eve.
The Lord approached them bearing the cross, the weapon that had won Him the victory. At the sight of Him, Adam, the first man He had created, struck his breast in terror and cried out to everyone: ‘My Lord be with you all.’ Christ answered him: ‘And with your spirit.” He took him by the hand and raised him up, saying: ‘Awake, O sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.’”
On Sundays we profess our Creed. In it we say the words, “[he] suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell” This icon, “The Harrowing of Hell” portrays Jesus victoriously in the centre over the gates of Hell. Adam and Eve raise their hands in supplication to Christ and he pulls them free. Old Testament heroes stand and witness Christ’s victory along with John the Baptist. The word “harrowing” is used to describe the plowing of a field breaking up the soil. The cross of Christ has “plowed” and broken the doors of Hell. Christ tramples the gates of Hell, smashing them wide open, and they lay in the shape of a cross. The broken keys and locks of Hell are scattered. Hell is not destroyed but its power over us is. Christ has set us free!
To read the entire homily quoted above see: https://www.unleashthegospel.org/2019/04/an-ancient-homily-on-holy-saturday/
(Visit the annual Greek Festival of Saint Nicholas and Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Church in July – their church is often open to visitors and you can view all their incredible icons.)