Iconography

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. His cross is erected on Adam's skull. His Mother looks at him and the Beloved One bows his head. The eclipsed sun and moon symbolize the cosmic presence in this parousia scene. This iconographical type was dominant up until the ninth century.

Bible

"So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him... Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, 'Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.'... Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, 'Woman, here is your son.' Then he said to the disciple, 'Here is your mother.' And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home." (Jn 19: 17, 19, 25-27)

Liturgy

"Our Lord was crucified alone on the wood of the cross. The foundations of death are shaking from fear and trembling. The dead, swallowed by Sheol, are liberated by his life-giving voice. Lord, you showed us your holy salvation. Glory to the One who is Good in his nature, raised above suffering. By his love, he wanted to suffer for us to make us overcome our suffering. Here is your flock saved by Your Blood, O Son of God, proud of your suffering, praising Your Name; glory to You." (Boouto, Lhoudao etgabaa, Good Friday, Beit Gazo B.L. 14,701)