Renovation

All of the virtues and powers of God are attained primarily by prayer. Without prayer, there is no spiritual life. Prayer is natural and we were fashioned by God to live a life of prayer. It should be brief and regular so that it can be kept in all conditions and circumstances. To remind yourself that it is "face to face," place an icon of Christ before you as you pray.

Icon of the Resurrection

The Icon of the Resurrection is called the “Descent Into Hades” and it shows Christ as the Life-giver. In it, Christ is seen trampling the gates of Hades, taking Adam and Eve by the wrists and drawing them to life. His presence in Hades showed that He took upon Himself every humility and degradation of mankind. His appearance in Hades is not as its captive, but as its conqueror. He is shown with a radiant halo, the symbol of glory. His garments are no longer those in which He was seen on earth, but they are brilliant and they illumine the darkness of Hades. Bolts, broken chains, and keys are scattered about to signify the freeing of those held captive and the breaking of Death’s hold over men. By Christ’s descent, Hades is destroyed and its gates trampled.

Having broken the bonds of Death’s power, Christ is seen raising Adam and Eve from the grave. In freeing our first parents, Christ also frees those who put their faith in His coming. This truth is seen in the presence of Kings, David and Solomon, vested in royal robes and crowns. They stand together with John the Baptist at Christ’s right. Moses and the Prophets of the Old Covenant stand at His left. With them, all of humanity is raised.