This icon is called “THE DESCENT FROM THE CROSS ” (Greek: Ἀποκαθήλωσις).

This icon is called “THE DESCENT FROM THE CROSS ” (Greek: Ἀποκαθήλωσις).

This sacred scene depicts the moment after Christ has died on the Cross, when His lifeless Body is lovingly removed and prepared for burial. The Church commemorates this on Holy and Great Friday, particularly during the Vespers of the Unnailing, an emotional and deeply reverent service in Orthodox Holy Week.

We see Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two secret disciples of Christ, carefully lowering Him from the Cross. The Theotokos (Virgin Mary) stands nearby in tearful sorrow. Saint John the Theologian is also present, along with Mary Magdalene and the other Myrrh-bearing women. Each figure is frozen in an expression of grief, love, and veneration.

They represent the faithful who stand with Christ in His death, who do not flee, who anoint Him with their love.

+ Liturgical Connection:

This icon is tied to the Holy Friday Vespers service, where the priest takes a cloth icon of Christ (the Epitaphios) down from a Cross placed in the sanctuary and wraps it in linen, echoing what Joseph and Nicodemus did. This ritual reenactment is one of the most moving moments of Holy Week.

It reminds the faithful that God truly died in the flesh, and that His burial was real. Yet, this moment is not the end, it is the doorway to resurrection.

In the Words of the Hymn:

“Noble Joseph, taking down Thy most pure Body from the Tree, wrapped it in clean linen with spices, and laid it in a new tomb…”

This icon invites us to enter into that sacred grief, not to despair, but to behold the great love of God, who gave Himself even unto death for our salvation.

Source: Facebook page of Pater Stephan