The Resurrection of Lazarus
The icon “The Raising of Lazarus” is a significant depiction in Christian art, symbolizing Christ’s power over death and prefiguring His own resurrection. Based on the Gospel of John (11:1–45), the narrative emphasizes faith as the key to witnessing God’s glory. Jesus, standing before Lazarus’s tomb, commands the stone to be removed and calls the deceased to life. Lazarus emerges from the grave, bound in burial linens, as witnesses look on in awe. The scene is both a literal miracle and a profound theological statement about resurrection and eternal life.
Early Christian representations of this event appear in catacomb frescoes and sarcophagi, typically focusing on the central figures: Christ and Lazarus. Over time, the composition expanded to include the apostles, Lazarus’s sisters Martha and Mary, and Jewish onlookers. Martha, often depicted kneeling before Christ, represents the Old Testament Law and earthly concerns. Mary, shown kissing Christ’s feet or standing reverently, symbolizes faith and spiritual devotion. These elements highlight the transformative power of faith in Christ.
The iconography also incorporates symbolic details, such as the mountains that frame the scene, representing the transition from the Old Covenant to the New. The burial cave and city walls in the background connect the miracle to Jerusalem, foreshadowing Christ’s Passion. Colors play a significant role, with Martha’s blue robe symbolizing adherence to the Law and Mary’s red mantle reflecting her spiritual fervor.
In Ukrainian iconography, the “Raising of Lazarus” is commonly depicted in Passion cycles, feast-day icons, and Christ’s Akathist icons. These portrayals often emphasize the miracle as a prelude to Christ’s triumph over death, underscoring its theological significance within the broader narrative of salvation.
Mykhailo Skop
