Iconography

This Rabulian miniature is the most ancient and unique in its genre of Christian art. The Holy Virgin stands in the middle of the Apostles, with her hands open to receive and to give. The Apostles stand around her as if in a commemorative representation. They all stand under the celestial vault surmounted by the plants of paradise. This vault is transpierced by the dove of the Spirit who descends into tongues of fire upon their heads. This unique Icon of Pentecost will be later replaced with different Icons of Pentecost in both circular and tiered form, mainly without the holy Virgin.

Bible

"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability." (Acts 2: 1-4)

Liturgy

"The burning fire which burns the thorns and weeds of perdition, flew down from the Father on Pentecost Sunday. The Apostles received him in the glorious upper room of Zion at the third hour. They all spoke in different languages and they went into the universe preaching the teaching of Truth. They converted the people from perdition." (Ramremayn, Pentecost, Beit Gazo, B.L. 14,701)


Other Icons

Icon: The Wedding at Cana

The first of the miracles at Cana is inspired from the manuscript of Qartamine (mount Aabdin). This icon summarizes this miracle by the Lord, his Mother and the newly married couple...

Icon: The Last Supper

The icon of the Last Supper unites our Lord and his Apostles around a semi-circular table. There are vases for the washing of the feet in front of the table and above it hangs a lamp.

Icon: The Crucifixion

This icon returns to the Rabulian miniature and its contemporary iconography. The Lord on the cross is dressed with the royal tunic, raising his head like a cub who sleeps with open eyes...