Major events from the life of the Savior before and after the Easter holidays have been depicted through the Christian art since early times. The collections of the National Museum of History of Moldova include a number of icons showing such events, scientific researcher Adelaida Chiroșca has told IPN.
The icon “The Lord’s Entrance into Jerusalem” shows the Savior entering the city together with the apostles. They were met by townspeople with branches of date palm as a symbol of joy and celebration. Even if he was riding a donkey, the people offered the Lord those branches as to a Victor in gratitude for the miracle worked one day earlier – the raising of Lazarus. Some of the people from the crowd laid down their clothes before Him, related Adelaida Chiroșca.
Two more significant events followed in Jerusalem – “The Last Supper” and “Prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane”. Scenes from “The Last Supper”, inspired from synoptic gospels, usually reflected two subjects that happened during the event – exposure of Judas’ betrayal and institution of the Holy Eucharist. The agony in the Garden of Gethsemane is an episode in the life of Jesus, which occurred after the Last Supper and before his betrayal and arrest. It preceded the Passion Cycle. Jesus retreated to a garden to pray. He said this prayer thrice, checking on the three apostles after each prayer and finding them asleep. He commented: “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”. An angel came from heaven to strengthen him.
The “Icon of the Resurrection” depicts the most important event in the Eastern Orthodox Church year, the Resurrection. It shows Christ wearing all white garments, because He is the Light of the world. He is depicted descending into Hades, and raising all those who had fallen through death.
The “Harrowing of Hades” is the icon most often used to represent the Resurrection of Christ: the Feast of Feasts, Pascha (Easter). In this scene, Christ is seen coming out of the dark pit of Hades, bringing with Him all of the righteous Old Testament saints. The Lord is pulling Adam and Eve out, having smashed the gates that kept them captive. This is the great and universal triumph of life over death, light over darkness. It is an exact depiction of the Orthodox paschal hymn, “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!”
This year the Orthodox Catholics celebrate Easter on April 9, while the Orthodox Christians – on April 16.
- Moldova is in the process of coupling to the European electricity market
- Moldova will pay 54 million lei – dues to international organizations
- Public and commercial buildings will limit indoor lighting by at least 30%. CSE decision
- From January 1, electricity produced during the day will be traded only on the domestic market
- Fish consumption on the rise. MAIA: Choose local product at Christmas and all year round
